Toxicodendron succedaneum

RHS Plant Profile
wax tree

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Other common names

Japan tallow sumach, Japan wax, red lac sumach

Synonyms

Rhus succedanea

Trees
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A small deciduous tree, usually 2-5m high, occasionally up to 8m. Leaves are pinnate, divided into up to 15 glossy dark green leaflets, and turn bright red in autumn. Upright, conical clusters of small yellow-green flowers are produced in summer, followed on female trees by round, yellow-brown seeds

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 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)
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Anacardiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright, 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
Bangladesh to Far East

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