Note: The taxonomy for this plant is currently in question, therefore this plant is being referenced by both Sapium sebiferum and Triadica sebifera.
In China, Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum (Syn. Triadica sebifera)) is cultivated for seed oil. During the 1700’s, Chinese tallow was introduced to the United States primarily for use as an ornamental tree. It was also introduced for making soap from the seed oil. Not only has Chinese tallow become naturalized in the southern coastal plain from South Carolina south to Texas, it has become naturalized in over half of the counties in Florida. Displacement of native species through vigorous growth and spread are characteristics that helped place Chinese tallow on FLEPPC’s List of Invasive species and the State of Florida Noxious Weed List.
Natural areas including Paynes Prairie State Preserve south and east of Gainesville, and state protected lands throughout Florida are being inundated with Chinese tallow. Chinese tallow can be seen in landscapes around the state and until very recently, could be purchased in garden centers or nurseries, aiding its spread throughout Florida.
Characteristics that make Chinese tallow a popular ornamental are its fast growth rate, attractive fall color, and its ability to resist damage from pests. It is a small to medium-sized tree that grows to about 20 feet tall, but some specimens can reach 40-50 feet. It is freely branching with leaves arranged alternately on branches. The leaves have acuminate tips and entire margins, with broadly ovate leaf blades and rounded bases. The flowers of Chinese tallow are attractive to bees and other insects and are borne in spikes roughly 8 inches long. The fruit is a three-lobed capsule (0.5 inches) and seeds are covered with vegetable tallow, a white waxy coating. Fruit ripens from August to November.
Chinese tallow trees are deciduous with a strong, deep taproot. This enables young trees to withstand periods of drought. Seeds are spread by many species of birds, and moving water can also serve as a mechanism for seed dispersal.
Chinese tallow can invade a variety of habitats ranging from swampy to saline waters, and from full sun to shade situations. It is often found growing along roadsides, coastal areas, and streams. Larger specimens can produce up to 100,000 seeds that may be eaten and dispersed by birds, facilitating the spread of tallow. Regrowth often occurs from cut stumps or roots. Native species are crowded out once Chinese tallow becomes established. The leaves and fruit are toxic to cattle and cause nausea and vomiting in humans.
Prevention is an important control tactic for Chinese tallow. Florida landowners should NOT distribute Chinese tallow-trees or seeds (as well as other invasive exotics). Florida residents with Chinese tallow are encouraged to remove them. Removal of seedlings is also important.
Homeowners can help mitigate the problem of Chinese tallow trees in Florida's natural areas by removing them from their property. Seedlings should be continually pulled by hand before they reach seed-bearing maturity. Native or noninvasive non-native trees can be planted in areas previously occupied by Chinese tallow. Tree species recommended that are similar in size to Chinese tallow include blackgum, maples, dogwood, and crape myrtles.
Mature trees should be cut down with a chain saw. The final cut should be made as close to the ground as possible and as level as possible. This will make an herbicide application easier as well as prevent resprouting from the cut. Seedling trees can be mowed or disked when small. Burning is also very effective for both small and larger trees.
There are no known biological control agents available for the control of Chinese tallow.
Foliar applications are effective on smaller trees but cut-stump or basal bark treatments are commonly utilized. For foliar applications, fall treatments before seed shed is the optimum timing – this coincides with downward translocation of carbohydrates. However, basal bark or cut stump treatments can be performed at any time of the year. Control can be achieved with the use of triclopyr-ester applied in an oil diluent. For basal bark applications, apply an herbicide/oil mixture directly to the bark around the circumference of the tree up to 15 inches above the ground. For trees with stems less than 6 inches in basal diameter, a solution of 5% triclopyr with oil can be used.
For trees over 6 inches in basal diameter a 15-20% triclopyr and oil solution should be used. To control resprouting of freshly cut stumps, a 20% solution of triclopyr is very effective. The root collar area, sides of the stump, and the outer portion of the cut surface should be sprayed until thoroughly wet, but not to the point of runoff. No more than 1/2 hour should elapse between cutting and applying herbicide. Do not attempt a cut stump or basal bark treatment during seed production (August to early September). This can increase the chance of spreading viable seed.
Lantana camara (Fankatavinakoho, Fotatra, lantana, Mandadrieko, Rajejeka, Radredreka, Ramity) (2004) In Goodman S.M. and J.P. Benstead (Eds) The natural history of Madagascar. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, pp. 415-417.
Langeland, K.A. and K. Craddock Burks. 1998. Identification and Biology of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. IFAS Publication SP 257. University of Florida, Gainesville. 165 pp.
Langeland, K.A. 2003. Natural Area Weeds: Chinese Tallow (Sapium sebiferum L.). Publication SS-AGR-45. Agronomy Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida.
University of Florida, IFAS Extension, Circular 1529, Invasive Species Management Plans for Florida, 2008 by
Greg MacDonald, Associate Professor Jay Ferrell, Assistant Professor and Extension Weed Specialist
Brent Sellers, Assistant Professor and Extension Weed Specialist
Ken Langeland, Professor and Extension Weed Specialist Agronomy Department, Gainesville and Range Cattle REC, Ona
Tina Duperron-Bond, DPM – Osceola County
Eileen Ketterer-Guest, former Graduate Research Assistant
For general information about Chinese tallow, download this UF/IFAS-EDIS publication, Natural Area Weeds: Chinese tallow Sapium sebiferum, by K.A. Langeland.
See more information and pictures about Chinese tallow tree, as contained in the Langeland/Burks book, Identification & Biology of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas.
Read the Chinese Tallow Management Plan: A Report from the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's Chinese Tallow Task Force by Cheryl M. McCormick, Chair.
View Biology and Management of Chinese Tallow Tree, by Rick Williams and Patrick Minogue. A 3-page illustrated fact sheet describing this noxious weed introduced originally for oil production and favored as an ornamental, its biology and management strategies.
Here are published items from the APIRS database about Sapium sebiferum (Syn. Triadica sebifera):
Bruce, K.A.; G.N. Cameron; P.A. Harcombe. Initiation of a new woodland type on the Texas coastal prairie by the Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum). Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 122(3):215-225. 1995.
Burks, K.C. Adverse effects of invasive exotic plants on Florida's rare native flora. Resource Manage. Notes 8(1):15-16. 1996.
Jubinsky, G. Chinese Tallow (Sapium sebiferum). Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Aquatic Plant Management. Pub. No. TSS-93-03. 12 pp. 1995.Financial support for this web page provided by the St. Johns River Water Management District (FL).
1. Identification and Biology of Nonnative Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas – Second Edition, by K.A. Langeland, H.M. Cherry, et al. University of Florida-IFAS Publication # SP 257. 2008.
2. Strangers in Paradise, Impact and Management of Nonindigenous Species in Florida, Chapter 2: Florida’s Invasion by Nonindigenous Plants: History, Screening, and Regulation, by D.R. Gordon and K.P. Thomas, pp. 21-37. Island Press, Washington, DC, 1997.
3. Recognition Cards - Invasive and Non-native Plants You Should Know, by A. Richard and V. Ramey. University of Florida-IFAS Publication # SP 431. 2007.
4. Integrated Management of Nonnative Plants in Natural Areas of Florida, by K. A. Langeland, J. A. Ferrell, B. Sellers, G. E. MacDonald, and R. K. Stocker. University of Florida-IFAS Publication # SP 242. 2011.