Family: Anacardiaceae

Native to Asia and America, the genus Toxicodendron has become widely naturalized and is declared a noxious weed in many parts of the world. Severe allergic reactions can be caused by contact with this tree. The sap appears to he the most toxic, but sensitive people can have had reactions from any contact. Despite the glorious display of autumn colour, this tree should be treated with caution. It has long been cultivated in Japan for the berries, which are a source of wax, and the stems, which yield a natural lacquer.

Species

T. succedaneum is a small, deciduous tree, 6-10 m (20-33 ft) tall. Its compound leaves, 20-25 cm (8-10 in) long, are generally composed of 11 lance-shaped, dark green leaflets. The leaves end with a single leaflet and the leaflets fold along the midrib in the shape of a boat. In autumn, the somewhat drooping foliage colours to brilliant scarlet. Creamy white or yellow-green flowers appear in summer, fol­lowed by large clusters of waxy, brown fruits, which persist on the tree through autumn and winter.

Cultivation

These trees will grow in sun or part shade and in any type of well-drained soil. They are very hardy, but do particularly well with regular, summer water. They propagate readily from seed, and unwanted seedlings sometimes appear, as the berries are attractive to birds.

Climate

Zone 8.