Triadica sebifera (L.) Small

Chinese Tallow Tree; Popcorn Tree

Tree

Perennial

Vascular

Popcorn Tree is an invasive introduced deciduous tree in the Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). It occurs in the southern two thirds of Alabama. Popcorn Tree grows in a variety of disturbed sites such as around old home places, vacant city lots, along railroads, and in disturbed forests. It is particularly prevalent in wetland habitats, even those that are not obviously disturbed. Popcorn Tree grows from twenty to forty feet in height. It has alternate rounded leaves with a long acuminate tip. The male flowers are born in long drooping yellowish spikes with the female flowers located at the base. The fruit is a three seeded capsule that splits to expose the seed which are covered in a white waxy substance. In China this species is cultivated for the waxy seed coating which is used to make candles, soap, and biodiesel. Popcorn Tree was introduced into the United States in the 1700’s to establish plantations to produce wax and as an ornamental. The bright multicolored leaves in the autumn are often spectacular, and it is one of the few trees to put on a fall foliage display in the Deep South. In the early to mid-1900’s it was a popular ornamental plant and often sold as “Florida Aspen”. Popcorn Tree produces large crops of seed every year. Trees as young as three years old can begin producing seed. In addition, Popcorn Tree is a vigorous root sprouter. It tolerates flooding and salt water, as well as drought and nutrient poor soils. Like many introduced species it has few natural enemies in this country. The seed are spread by water and by birds. It is considered a noxious weed in many states, and several southern states have banned its sale. In Alabama it is considered one of the “Ten Worst Invasive Weeds”. --A. Diamond

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Not Native

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