Dendropanax trifidus

A very attractive, broadleaf evergreen tree, reaching a maximum size of 50 x 12 ( rarely over 30 ) feet, that is part of the Aralia family. It is moderate growing, at a rate up to 1.5 feet per year. This very beautiful Taiwan and Japanese native has great potential for small urban yards. The genus Dendropanax is part of the Araliaceae family which includes the Hedera Ivys, Kalopanax, Schefflera & Fatsia.
Its beautiful, leathery, somewhat Sassafras-like leaves are up to 8 x 6 inches in size. They range from entire, elliptic or ovate to palmately 2 or 3 lobed. The leathery foliage is very glossy deep green above, pale green beneath.
The yellowish-green flowers are borne on umbels on larger inflorescenes during late summer.
They are followed by purplish-black berries, up to 0.4 inches wide, during late autumn into early winter.
The smooth bark is pale yellowish-gray.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 ( possibly 6 on protected sites ), It prefers partial shade on a well drained soil. Drought and pollution tolerant. Protection from deer and voles may be necessary in areas where they are abundant.

* photo taken on Feb 2009 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Wash., DC

* photos taken on March 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum


* photo taken on April 11 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum

* photos taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.



* photos taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

Dendropanax confertus
Similar to Dendropanax trifidus but taller growing ( up to 65 feet ) and is native to far southeastern mainland China.
Hardy zones 8 to 10.