Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Continue Reading
Chinese parasol tree

How to identify Chinese parasol tree (Firmiana simplex)

Chinese parasol tree, also known as Varnish tree, Japanese varnish tree, Wutong

Chinese parasol tree is distinguished by its large, palmate leaves that boast 3 to 5 lobes and span up to 12 inches (30 cm) wide, creating a dense canopy. The tree's stature ranges from 25 to 45 feet (7.6 to 13.7 meters) in height and 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) in width. Its bark and stems exhibit a notable green coloration. During late spring to early summer, chinese parasol tree reveals panicles of white to yellow-green flowers, transitioning to showy seed pods afterwards. In autumn, the foliage turns a striking yellow before shedding, unveiling the tree's distinct structure and green bark.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Chinese parasol tree

1

Large, palmate leaves with 3-5 lobes, reaching 12 inches (30 cm) wide.

2

Distinctive green bark and stems, with a tree height ranging from 25 to 45 feet (7.6 to 13.7 meters).

3

Star-shaped flowers with white to yellow-green sepals in terminal panicles up to 12 inches (30 cm) long.

4

Pod-like fruit, 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) long, with brown seeds and varnish-like liquid in pods.

5

Stout green stem with circular leaf scars and hairy, reddish-brown bud scales, growing up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.

Chinese parasol treeChinese parasol treeChinese parasol treeChinese parasol treeChinese parasol tree

Detailed Traits of Chinese parasol tree

Leaf Features

The leaves of chinese parasol tree are large, bold, simple, and alternate, with a palmately lobed structure having 3 to 5 lobes. They measure 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) across and 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) long, with smooth upper surfaces and pubescent undersides. The leaves have entire margins and a cordate base. The veining is palmate, and the fall color is yellow.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary
Group
Flower Features

Chinese parasol tree's flowers are small, star-shaped, and feature white to creamy or yellow-green sepals arranged in up to 12-inch (30 cm) long terminal panicles. They lack petals and emit a mild fragrance. These flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, typically from May through August. Their unique star-shaped sepals and lack of petals make them easily distinguishable for plant enthusiasts.

Chinese parasol tree Flower image
Learn About the Flower Glossary
Group
Stem Features

The stem of chinese parasol tree is stout and green, characterized by a circular leaf scar, indicating where leaves were once attached. It is generally thick, often reaching up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The stem supports large, round buds that are covered in hairy, reddish-brown scales. The branching pattern is typically irregular, with the main stem exhibiting a strong, upright growth before extending lateral branches. This green coloration and distinctive bud scales are key identifying features.

Learn About the Stem Glossary
Group
Fruit Features

The fruit of chinese parasol tree is distinctive, appearing in late summer as large, pod-like structures. Each pod measures approximately 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) in length and transforms from a green to brown hue as it matures. Upon ripening, these leathery, dry pods split open into four petal-like segments, exposing a collection of small, round seeds. These seeds, about 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) in diameter, possess a reddish-brown coloration. Within the pods, a brownish, varnish-like liquid can be found, contributing to the unique character of the fruit.

Chinese parasol tree Fruit imageChinese parasol tree Fruit image
Learn About the Fruit Glossary
Group
Icon code

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them
Img topic
Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Img topic
Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Img topic
Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Img topic
Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Img topic
Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Img topic
Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Identify Chinese parasol tree easily and quickly
We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.
Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About Chinese parasol tree

Attributes of Chinese parasol tree
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
16 m
Flower Color
Yellow
Green
White
Fruit Color
Brown
Green
Stem Color
Green
Cream
Brown
Leaf type
Deciduous
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of Chinese parasol tree

Family
Mallow
Icon allow
Species
Chinese parasol tree (Firmiana simplex)
Learn More About the Chinese parasol tree

Distribution Map of Chinese parasol tree

Chinese parasol tree, a naturally occurring plant in the temperate regions of East Asia, has an extensive range that spans mainly across the eastern Asian continent. While native to broader East Asian territories, this species has been introduced and is now established in various parts of Southeast Asia. It is cultivated beyond its original geographic limits, reflecting its adaptability and aesthetic appeal in diverse environments.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app