Is this a weed?

[LLK]

Hello all,

The plant in the attached photo came up in my garden after we spread forest litter mulch. It is quite tall and really beautiful, but I have been told that it is just a weed and won't lignify, so it would be unsuitable for bonsai. Can someone give me some more info, e.g. a name?
I'd be very grateful.

Lisa

[AlanBa]

This looks like Chinese Tallow Tree.
If that is what it is it can be a bit of a weed in some areas, but is a pretty tree with bright red leaves in autumn.
Alan

[LLK]

I think you are right, Alan. Many thanks. See photo below of the Chinese tallow tree, or Triadica sebifera.

Lisa

[tgward]

beautiful in autumn--mine suffers from die back on the twigs and small branches --can be a real problem -they tend send up suckers if you disturb/cut the roots--- you could easily end up with a small forest.

[LLK]

Thanks, tgward. That's good to know.

Lisa

[RogerW]

I believe this tree to be Sapium sebiferum, a member of the Euforbiacaea. It is from warm areas of Japan and China. It is relatively fast growing to 13 metres. Flowers are yellow spikes at the branch tips. Fruit are capsules 1cm across with three seeds. The seeds are coated with white wax which is used in China to make soap. Autumn colour can be stunning.

[LLK]

Hi Roger,

Thanks for your info, Very interesting!
And yes, you are right, and so is AlanBa. See: http://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Details/38

Chinese tallow tree is deciduous ornamental tree. It is fast becoming an invasive environmental weed of water courses and native vegetation areas. Unfortunately it is still widely available from nurseries under its previous scientific name, Sapium sebiferum.

It's definitely a weed! Still very tempting to make a bonsai out of it, if possible. It can sit next to any other weeds I have on the bonsai benches, like the small leaved privet. They just should never be allowed to fruit.

Lisa

[SueBee]

Excellent use for any weedy species