Chinese parasol tree (wutong) Firmiana simplex
Chinese parasol tree (wutong) (Firmiana simplex) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Malvaceae family, native to Southern China and Taiwan. It grows 10–16 m (33–52 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
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Chinese parasol tree (wutong) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Mature height | 10–16 m (33–52 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: roasted seeds |
| Native to | Southern China and Taiwan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇺🇸 United States |
| Invasive in | south-east United States: check local rules before planting |
Is Chinese parasol tree (wutong) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Chinese parasol tree (wutong)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Chinese parasol tree (wutong)
- How far apart should I plant Chinese parasol tree (wutong)?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Chinese parasol tree (wutong) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Chinese parasol tree (wutong) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Chinese parasol tree (wutong)?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Chinese parasol tree (wutong) flower?
- From about June for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Chinese parasol tree (wutong) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Chinese parasol tree (wutong)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Chinese parasol tree (wutong). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Smooth green trunk and huge maple-like leaves; in Chinese legend the only tree the phoenix will perch on. Classic courtyard tree.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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