Sunday, September 25, 2011

Popcorn Anybody?

Well, yesterday was the Fall version of the annual North Charleston Plant Swap. It was a smashing success with 90 participants and over 2000 plants swapped. During the setup phase, all was well....until.
The Clemson Extension Agent, who was there to participate, came up to me and said, "We have a problem".
She went on to say that somebody had brought a VERY invasive plant, and as Master Gardeners we really can not let them be propagated. I was not aware that somebody had brought it, at first I was not even aware of how invasive it was. I had heard of it, but was not totally familiar with it.
I am now.
The plant was Sapium sebiferum, also know as the Chinese Tallow Tree, and the Popcorn Tree. You will also find it still listed as Triadica sebifera, but the Sapium sebiferum is the proper name.
The Popcorn tree is native to China and Japan where it has been cultivated for its useful seeds and as an ornamental for more than a thousand years. It is said that Benjamin Franklin introduced it into the United States in 1776 for use of its waxy tallow in soaps and candles.
It is a deciduous tree (loses its leaves) that may reach 60 feet in height. The bark is a light gray. It has heart-shaped leaves with a pointed tip.





Slender, drooping spikes up to 8 inches long appear from April to June. In Fall the leaves turn brilliant shades of scarlet, orange, yellow and maroon.



Popcorn Trees can invade a variety of habitats ranging from swampy to saline waters, and from full sun to shade situations. It is often found growing along roadsides, coastal areas, and streams. Larger specimens can produce up to 100,000 seeds that may be eaten and dispersed by birds, facilitating the spread. Native species are crowded out once the Chinese Tallow becomes established. The leaves and fruit are toxic to cattle and cause nausea and vomiting in humans.
It tolerates almost any soil and can grow 5 feet tall in its first year. They are considered moderately drought tolerant. However, It was planted as a street tree in California where it apparently has not yet become invasive, perhaps because of insufficient rainfall.
They have become so invasive, first off, being that they are a native of Eastern Asia, which is the same latitudes as the Southeastern U.S. they love the growing conditions here, but primarily because of the seeds that are readily eaten and dispersed by birds. The seeds also float and can be carried easily by rivers, streams, and stormwater runoff to new destinations and virtually all of them germinate somewhere. The seeds are in a fruit that are 3 lobed, brown capsules, 1/2 inch in diameter, when mature the outer part splits revealing 3 white waxy seeds that resemble popcorn, hence its common name. They mature in late Summer to early Fall.


Photo Courtesy of University of Georgia

If all of this is not bad enough, The leaves produce allelopathic chemicals that change soil content and therefore makes the area uninhabitable to native species.
It has gotten so bad that, the State of Florida lists the Popcorn Tree or Chinese Tallow as a noxious weed and prohibits its introduction, movement or release.
To kill these things, cut the tree down and immediately paint the stump with a triclopyr herbicide such as Brush-B-Gon, Garlon, Pathfinder, Chopper or something like Round-up brush killer. Make sure you follow the label directions or get a certified professional to apply these. Results also can be obtained by spraying the bark in a 6 inch wide band all around the base of the trunk with one of the triclopyr herbicides. I don't usually suggest such harsh treatment because of the danger it can pose to the homeowner and the landscape, BUT, tests of simply cutting down the trees resulted in extensive root and stump sprouting. Before applying any herbicide, read the label!! I can not emphasize this enough.
This is nasty tree. Yes, it has pretty Fall foliage and can be used for some good shade. Tree species recommended that are similar in size to Chinese Tallow include Maples (Acer spp.) and Crape Myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.). Might I also suggest to use an Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), or a Red Mulberry (Morus rubra) instead. At least the Red Mulberry will give you something good to eat!
Happy Growing!
Darren

8 comments:

  1. I saw those!

    I have a Tallow tree in my back yard too and right now, I'm fence sitting on it's removal, just because it's already at a decent height and the shade...I need the shade...

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  2. While I'm glad to learn about this tree, I'm so sorry about the information, because if it's what I have in my backyard I love them. The 3 trees, in different areas on side and in back, are covered with hundreds of tiny, heart-shaped leaves with pointed tips. The whole tree shakes and shivers in the slightest breeze. Leaves turn to brilliant translucent shades of scarlet and yellow before dropping off. I'm going to take a pic and share with you Darren, probably at Linked in since I don't think I can post one here, just to be sure :(

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    1. Forgot to check the "Notify Me" box, doing it now.

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    2. Hey Sandi, You can send me the picture to my e-mail. TheCitrusGuy@netzero.com
      Is it a popcorn tree or could you possibly have a Redbud. The leaves are slightly similar.

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    3. Will do. Hope it's a Redbud. Guess that's a much better tree. Thanks, Darren!

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    4. Interestingly, I noticed that the bark is not gray at all, but a medium brown or dark tan. Sure hope this is significant.

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    5. The color could be a good sign. If you can, when you take the pictures, see if you can get one with the overall growth habit of the tree. That will also help in addition to some close ups of the leaves.

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    6. How disappointing that what I have is this tree :( Well I'll continue to enjoy looking at them. No plans for uprooting them because we're currently renting anyway. Have noted your recommendations for substitutes. Will see if they are in my Ortho "All About Trees" book and bookmark them. Thanks for your help and have a nice afternoon.

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