Habitat

• native to Eastern China
• zone 3

Habit and Form

• deciduous
• a large tree
• 40' to 80' tall by 30' to 40' wide, tree is generally taller the further north it is planted
• medium texture, rather coarse in winter
• conical form when young, spreading lateral branches with age

Summer Foliage

• alternate, simple, 2"-3" long, triangular in shape
• leaves are on spurs in clusters of 3-5
• Fan shaped, with parallel leaf margins and notched at apex
• bright green color

Autumn Foliage

• excellent yellow color
• leaves drop quickly, especially following a freeze

Flowers

• not considered an ornamental feature
• dioecious
  • male: 1" long catkin in April
  • female: green, naked ovules
• trees may not flower until 20 years old

Fruit

• naked seed produced on female tree only
• clusters of 2-6
• light orange to tan color
• flesh covering seed has a foul smell, often described as rancid butter

Bark

• grey to brown
• ridged

Culture

• prefers deep sandy soils and moderate moisture
• adaptable to pH and almost any other conditions
• full sun
• tolerant of pollution, salt air, and heat
• prune in spring
• pest free

Landscape Uses

• specimen
• good for large open area
• good shade tree
• possibly a street tree
• only male clones should be planted, female is outlawed in some areas of United States

Liabilities

• no serious insect or pest problems
• female plants have a foul smelling fruit
• can be slow to become established following transplanting

ID Features

• leaves triangular and may be 2 lobed
• parallel veins
• spurs with brown imbricate buds
• fruit

Propagation

• by seed, collect in fall (cold stratification is benefical)
• can also be done by softwood or semihardwood cuttings, collect in early summer
• cultivars are propagated mainly by grafting

Cultivars/Varieties

'Autumn Gold' (perhaps Autumn Gold™) - This male (non-fruiting) selection is common in the trade and notable for its symmetrical crown that is broad and rounded. The mature size is 50' tall with a 30' spread and fall color is an excellent deep yellow.

'Jade Butterfly' - An unusual dwarf, slow-growing form, this plant has bright green leaves and a mature height that is less than half that of standard forms. It's an introduction out of New Zealand that is gaining popularity.

'Magyar' - An introduction that is gaining momentum in the trade, this plant is a non-fruiting male with upright, ascending branching to 60' tall and half as wide. It is well-suited to urban planting as a street tree.

'Pendula' (also listed as f. pendula) - Plants listed under this name are quite variable, with few expressing a strong weeping habit. Most bear branches that are horizontal or droop slightly

'PNI 2720' (Princeton Sentry®) - A very popular non-fruiting male form, this form assumes an upright habit that tapers to the point. It reaches 60' tall, but only 25' wide.

'Saratoga' - Commonly offered, this plant has a strong central leader and an upright, narrow habit (40' tall and 30' tall).

'Variegata' - Many different clones are offered under this name, but most feature leaves that are irregularly streaked with yellow.