Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Chinese Parasoltree (Firmiana simplex)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Malvales>Sterculiaceae>Firmiana simplex (L.) W. Wight

Chinese Parasoltree (Firmiana simplex) leaves

An uncommonly planted ornamental tree in the Chocolate family, Chinese Parasoltree rarely escapes from cultivation. With large tropical-looking leaves and unique greenish-white bark, it isn't likely to be mistaken for any other tree in North Carolina. The photos here are of a planted specimen at the Coker Arboretum on the campus of the University of North Carolina.

Chapel Hill, NC 9/9/06.

Chinese Parasoltree (Firmiana simplex) fruits

The persistent fruit pods open like petals, revealing the seeds hanging inside.

Chapel Hill, NC 9/9/06.

Chinese Parasoltree (Firmiana simplex) trunk

Trees are frequently multi-trunked.

Chapel Hill, NC 9/9/06.

Chinese Parasoltree (Firmiana simplex) bark

The distinctive chalky-white bark has vertical streaks of green and many warty lenticels.

Chapel Hill, NC 9/9/06.

More information:
NC State
Plant Information Center
Virginia Tech Dendrology

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