Triadica sebifera
(Chinese Tallow)
Triadica sebifera, Chinese Tallow, Lake Somerville State Park, Burleson Co. 9264
Triadica sebifera, Chinese Tallow, Lake Somerville State Park, Burleson Co. 9262
Triadica sebifera, Chinese Tallow, Lake Somerville State Park, Burleson Co. 9252
Triadica sebifera, Chinese Tallow, Lake Somerville State Park, Burleson Co. 9255
Triadica sebifera, Chinese Tallow, Lake Somerville State Park, Burleson Co. 9265
| Scientific Name | Triadica sebifera | USDA PLANTS Symbol | TRSE6 |
| Common Name | Chinese Tallow, Popcorn Tree | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 29899 |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae (Spurge) | Texas Invasives Reference |
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| Description | Habitat: Disturbed areas, stream banks, riverbanks, wet areas, coastal prairies and many types of forests. Plant: Fast-growing, deciduous tree from 24 to 35 ft, occasionally to 60 ft. tall; fissured bark that thickens with age; gnarled trunks. Leaves: Alternate, oval to round or rhombic; 1-3/8 to 3-3/8 inches long and as wide; on petioles 5/8 to 3-1/2 inches long. Inflorescence: Dangling spikes 2-3/8 to 8 inches long with tiny yellowish-green blossoms; many crowded groups of pistillate and staminate flowers along the length of the spike. Bloom Period: April to June. Fruit: Capsule with three compartments about 3/8 to 3/4-inch in diameter turning from green to black upon maturity; capsule walls are shed exposing the 3 wax-coated seeds resembling popcorn. References: Tennessee Invasive Plant Council, Flora of North America, US Forest Service Fire Effects Information System and Texas Invasives. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Texas Status: Native INVASIVE |
Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County
© Tom Lebsack 2024