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Description
Toxicodendron succedaneum, commonly known as wax tree or Japanese wax tree, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to China, Japan, and Korea. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is known for its waxy fruits that are used to make candles and soap. The plant can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a spreading, irregular crown.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Toxicodendron |
Appearance
The leaves of the Toxicodendron succedaneum are alternate, pinnately compound, and can vary in size from 7 to 20 cm long. The leaflets are ovate to elliptic and have a glossy, dark green color. The plant produces small, greenish-white flowers in early summer, followed by clusters of waxy fruits that are green at first but turn red as they ripen. The bark of the plant is smooth and grayish-brown.
Care Guide
Toxicodendron succedaneum is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions. Here are some care tips:- Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: The plant can grow in a variety of soils but prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.- Sunlight: The plant can tolerate full sun to partial shade but prefers a spot with filtered sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Toxicodendron succedaneum is generally pest and disease-free but can be affected by some common problems:- Scale insects: These pests can suck the sap from the plant, causing leaf yellowing and curling. Use an insecticidal soap to control the infestation.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and use a fungicide to prevent further spread.- Leaf spot: This bacterial disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and use a copper-based fungicide to prevent further spread.
Habitat
Toxicodendron succedaneum is native to China, Japan, and Korea and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and hillsides. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of growing conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Toxicodendron succedaneum poisonous?
A: Yes, the plant contains urushiol, a toxic oil that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people.
Q: Can I use the wax from the fruits of the plant to make candles?
A: Yes, the wax from the fruits of the plant can be used to make candles and soap.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Toxicodendron succedaneum?
A: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Toxicodendron succedaneum?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Related Plants
– Toxicodendron vernicifluum (Japanese lacquer tree)- Rhus aromatica (Fragrant sumac)- Rhus typhina (Staghorn sumac)- Schinus molle (Peruvian pepper tree)
References
– Flora of China: Toxicodendron succedaneum. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200013453- Missouri Botanical Garden: Toxicodendron succedaneum. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c489- USDA Plants Database: Toxicodendron succedaneum. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=TOSU2
