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Federal Noxious Weed TDA Noxious Weed TPWD Prohibited Exotic Species 
Invasive Plant Atlas of the USNOTE:
means species is on that list.
Firmiana simplex
Chinese parasoltree
Synonym(s): Firmiana platanifolia (L. f.) Schott & Endl., Sterculia platanifolia L. f.
Family: Sterculiaceae (cocoa family)
Duration and Habit: Perennial Tree
Photographer:
Source: Courtesy Missouri Botanical PlantFinder
Description
Chinese Parasoltree has a very unusual appearance for a deciduous tree, having green stems and bark and extremely large, three to five-lobed bright green leaves. Each leaf is up to 12 inches across and casts as much shade as an actual parasol. It has a dense, upright, oval canopy and reaches 35 to 50 feet in height, spreading 15 to 20 feet. In June or July, 10 to 20-inch-long, upright, loose, terminal panicles of yellow/green blooms appear and are followed by the production of peculiar pods which split open into four petal-like sections to reveal the small, round seeds. The foliage of Chinese Parasoltree can turn brilliant yellow before dropping in fall to reveal an interesting branching structure of green stems.
Native Lookalikes: Currently no information available here yet, or there are no native Texas species that could be confused with Chinese parasoltree.
Ecological Threat: Its prolific seed production along with quick growth and aggressive competition has allowed Chinese parasoltree to propagate outside of landscaped areas. It is being reported more often along roadsides and other disturbed areas. This plant is self-fertile which means it only takes one tree to produce fertile seeds.
Biology & Spread: Chinese parasoltrees spread only by seed, but their high seed production allows them to spread outside of planted areas.
History: The history of this tree is interesting because it is known who initially imported the tree. Chinese parasoltree was brought to North America in the late 1700s by Andre Michaux who planted it in his garden in Charleston, South Carolina. It has been grown as an ornamental or street tree since that time and has spread throughout the Southeastern U.S.
U.S. Habitat: Prefers moist areas, and is often found growing along roadsides and other disturbed areas.
Distribution
U.S. Nativity: Introduced to U.S.
Native Origin: Eastern China, Japan, Taiwan, and parts of Vietnam.
U.S. Present: AL, AR, CA, FL, GA, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA
Distribution in Texas: Due to its ornamental history, this tree has been reported from major cities in central and eastern regions of Texas.
Mapping
Invaders of Texas Map: Firmiana simplex
EDDMapS: Firmiana simplex
USDA Plants Texas County Map: Firmiana simplex
Invaders of Texas Observations
List All Observations of Firmiana simplex reported by Citizen Scientists
Native Alternatives
- Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore)
- Taxodium distichum (bald cypress)
- Cupressus arizonica (Arizona cypress)
Management
Mechanical-Hand pulling and mowing are effective for seedlings and small saplings.
Chemical Control- Is effective for mature trees and there are several ways you can apply the herbicides:
Hack-and-Squirt: Use a sharp hatchet to slash the extremely tough mature bark several times, followed by herbicide (glyphosate) sprayed directly into the wound with a squirt bottle.
Cut Stump: Glyphosate applied to freshly cut stumps (within 5 minutes) is particularly effective in fall when plants are shunting resources into their roots.
Basal Bark: Mix 25% triclopyr and 75% horticultural oil to spray around the trunk of the tree. Thorough wetting is necessary for good control; spray until run-off is noticeable at the ground line. This method can be applied throughout the year as long as the ground is not frozen.
Seedlings and smaller saplings may be treated with a 1.5% (2 oz/gal) Brushmaster® solution combined with a few drops of dish soap added as a surfactant and several ounces (per 4 gallons) of ordinary rubbing alchohol (isoproponal) as a penetrant.
Text References
Conrad, W., K. Thuesen, M. McCaw, G. Gillman, and G. McGlamery. 2006. Integrated Pest Management Plan: Water Quality Protection Lands Program (WQPL). City of Austin, Austin Water Utility, TX.
Gilman, E.F and D.G. Watson. 1993. Firmiana simplex, Chinese Parasoltree. United States Forest Service, Fact Sheet ST-259.
Integrated Pest Management Plan, Town Lake Trail System: Woodland Systems. 2004. City of Austin, TX.
Kaufman, S.R. and W. Kaufman. 2007. Invasive Plants: A Guide to Identification, Impacts, and Control of Common North American Species. Stockpile Books, Mechanicsburg, PA.
Level II Contract Criteria, Vegetation Control Services. City of Austin, TX. Miller, J.H, S.T. Manning, and S.F. Enloe. 2010. A Management Guide for Invasive Plants in Southern Forests. USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station. General Technical Report SRS– 131.
Online Resources
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST259
https://www.tnipc.org/invasive-plants/plant-details/?id=72
Search Online
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USDA Plants: Firmiana simplex
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States: Firmiana simplex
Bugwood Network Images: Firmiana simplex
