Toxicodendron vernicifluum

RHS Plant Profile

Chinese lacquer tree

Other common names

Japan lacquer, Japanese lacquer tree, lacquer tree, varnish tree

Synonyms

Rhus verniciflua

Trees

Buy this from Plant Nurseries
1 Suppliers

A deciduous tree, up to 15m high, with a spreading habit and young shoots covered with yellow-brown hairs. Leaves are pinnate, divided into up to 13 glossy green leaflets that turn red and yellow in autumn. Hanging clusters of small yellow flowers are produced in summer, followed on female plants by round, pale yellow fruits

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: wider than 8 metres
Max Height: Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H6

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Anacardiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Spreading branched
Potentially harmful: TOXIC if eaten - wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): TOXIC if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus: A genus of flowering trees, shrubs and woody vines with variable green feathered foliage that can be smooth, toothed or lobed. Plants within this genus produce 'urushiol' oil which can irritate the skin
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: Pakistan to Korea

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil, with protection from strong winds. Autumn colour is best if grown in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural

Pruning

Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1. Wear protective clothing to keep sap away from skin

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to coral spot and to verticillium wilt