Chinese Parasol Tree, Chinese parasoltree, Japanese Varnish Tree, Chinese Parasol Tree
Firmiana simplex
Family: Sterculiaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: White, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Oval, Upright or erect.
Firmiana simplex is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower in July. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 15
Where it is found
Along the sides of roads at low altitudes.
E. Asia - China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Seed - roasted. An oily texture.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Astringent, salve. The seed is antiphlogistic, expectorant and refrigerant. A decoction of the roots is used to reduce swellings. A lotion of the leaves is used in the treatment of carbuncles, haemorrhoids and sores.
Antiphlogistic: Reduces inflammation.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Refrigerant: Cools the body.
Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Other
Rating: 2
A fibre is obtained by retting the bark. It is used for coarse cordage and cloth. A hair wash is made from the leaves and fibre. Wood. Used for making furniture and coffins.
Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
Hair: Plants used as hair shampoos, tonics, to treat balding etc.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Industrial Crop: Fiber: Clothing, rugs, sheets, blankets etc. Currently, almost none of our fiber are produced from perennial crops but could be!
Industrial Crop: Gum: Used as thickeners and gelling agents. Non-destructively harvested gums come from tapped trees and seed.
Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.
Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.
Industrial Crop: Fiber: Clothing, rugs, sheets, blankets etc. Currently, almost none of our fiber are produced from perennial crops but could be!
Industrial Crop: Gum: Used as thickeners and gelling agents. Non-destructively harvested gums come from tapped trees and seed.
Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.
Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.
Carbon Farming: Plants that can be a critical part of the solution to climate problems. The Carbon Farming Solution - Eric Toensmeier.
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Pest tolerant, Pollard, Specimen. Prefers a good sandy loam. Requires a well-drained but moisture-retentive fertile soil in full sun or light shade. Plants are not very hardy in Britain, they succeed outdoors in the mildest parts of the country, though they do not reach tree-size. Trees cast a heavy shade. Special Features:Not North American native, Naturalizing, Attractive flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a warm greenhouse. The stored seed can be sown in the early spring in a greenhouse and usually germinates within 2 months. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Consider giving the plants some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
F. platinifolia. Hibiscus simplex. Sterculia mariesii. S. platinifolia.