Firmiana simplex

Chinese Parasol Tree is an introduced deciduous tree in the Hibiscus family (MALVACEAE). It is native to China. In Alabama it can be found in the southern two-thirds of the state. Chinese Parasol Tree is sometimes planted as an ornamental and escapes to urban woodlands, to roadsides, to ravines, and to mesic deciduous woodlands. It is a single or multi-trunked tree reaching heights of 60 feet. The bark is green or gray-green, smooth, with vertical yellow or white stripes. Leaves are petiolate, alternate (though often crowded near the ends of branches), ovate in outline, 3-5 lobed, minutely stellate pubescent on the lower surface, and entire. The leaves turn lemon yellow for a short period before falling in the autumn. Small fragrant, greenish-white flowers are produced in large terminal panicles. Flowers are unisexual with a 5-lobed calyx that is divided nearly to the base. The lobes of the calyx are reflexed. Staminate flowers have 10-15 stamens. Pistillate flowers have a 5-locular ovary. The fruit is a follicle which splits along one side revealing 3-5 seeds adhering to the margins. Chinese Parasol Tree is listed as a category 2 invasive species by the Alabama Invasive Plant Council.—A. Diamond