Dwarf umbrella tree (schefflera) Heptapleurum arboricola
Dwarf umbrella tree (schefflera) (Heptapleurum arboricola) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Araliaceae family, native to Taiwan and Hainan, China. It grows 1–5 m (3.3–16 ft) tall and 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
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Dwarf umbrella tree (schefflera) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Mature height | 1–5 m (3.3–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–313 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Taiwan and Hainan, China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇹🇭 Thailand |
Is Dwarf umbrella tree (schefflera) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
Contains calcium oxalate crystals and saponins: chewing it irritates the mouth and causes vomiting in pets.
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 Dwarf umbrella tree (schefflera)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Dwarf umbrella tree (schefflera)
- How far apart should I plant Dwarf umbrella tree (schefflera)?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft).
- Does Dwarf umbrella tree (schefflera) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Dwarf umbrella tree (schefflera) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Dwarf umbrella tree (schefflera)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Dwarf umbrella tree (schefflera) flower?
- About 156–313 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Dwarf umbrella tree (schefflera) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Contains calcium oxalate crystals and saponins: chewing it irritates the mouth and causes vomiting in pets.
- What grows well with Dwarf umbrella tree (schefflera)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Dwarf umbrella tree (schefflera). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of China, Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria (eFloras)
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A tropical plant: outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; elsewhere a houseplant for bright, indirect light that likes warmth and humidity and hates cold draughts.
- Glossy leaves of 7–9 leaflets spread like the ribs of an umbrella; ‘Gold Capella’ is splashed yellow. Easy and tough indoors; outdoors in warm climates it makes a hedge or clambers over walls and trees. Long sold as Schefflera arboricola.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Common ivy Hedera helix
- Mountain cabbage tree Cussonia paniculata
- Korean ginseng Panax ginseng
- Fatsia (Japanese aralia, yatsude) Fatsia japonica
- Rice-paper plant (tsūdatsu) Tetrapanax papyrifer
- Ming aralia Polyscias fruticosa
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron