Sapium sebiferum

Sunset

Zones 8, 9, 12-16, 18-21, 25-31, H1

Full

Moderate

Milky sap is poisonous if ingested

Chinese Tallow Tree
Euphorbiaceae
Deciduous, Trees

Grows 30 to 40 ft. tall, 25 to 30 ft. wide, with a dense, round or conical crown. Tends toward shrubbiness, multiple trunks, and suckering but is easily trained to a single trunk. In colder areas, branch tips may freeze back in winter, but new growth will quickly cover damage. Leafs out late in spring. Foliage is dense but flutters in the slightest breeze, giving tree an airy look. Light green leaves are roundish, tapering to a slender point; with moderate autumn chill, they can turn flaming red, plum purple, yellow orange, or mixed colors. For good color, select a tree while it is in fall leaf. Spikes of tiny yellowish flowers at branch tips are followed in fall by clusters of small fruits with a waxy grayish white coating.