Introduction
Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera, formerly Sapium sebifera) is an invasive species in the southeastern United States. It is also commonly referred to as “tallow tree” or “popcorn tree.” One of the primary concerns about Chinese tallow is that it can outcompete native tree species in both forested and residential settings, leading it to be classified as invasive. A species is considered invasive when it has been introduced to its environment by humans, has a sustaining population, and has a negative effect on the ecosystem.
The tree gets its name from the white, waxy tallow covering the seeds. This tallow has been harvested for use in making candles, soap, cloth dressing, and fuel for the last 14 centuries in China. It was originally introduced to the United States by Benjamin Franklin, who shipped seeds to some of his associates in Georgia. These seeds entered through the port in Charles Towne, South Carolina, in 1776. The USDA continued to promote tallow tree establishment in Gulf Coast states to promote local soap industries in the early 1900s. This endeavor was ultimately unsuccessful, and abandoned orchards were left to spread into surrounding forests.

Chinese tallowtree (Triadica sebifera) flowers.
Photo by Carl Dennis, Auburn University Carl Dennis, Auburn University, Bugwood.org
Biology and Distribution
Description: Chinese tallow trees can reach heights ranging from 20 to 40 feet tall. Their diamond-shaped, ovate leaves are arranged alternately. Known for their bright fall colors, tallow leaves produce shades ranging from bright yellow to a deep, brick red. In the spring, they produce catkin flowers. Typically, catkins only have flowers of a single sex; however, tallow tree catkins are made up of female flowers towards the top, with male

Chinese tallowtree (Triadica sebifera) ripened fruit with tallow coating; foliage just starting to change.
Photo by Cheryl McCormick, University of Florida
flowers making up the rest of the catkin. The flowers develop into a small green fruit made up of three lobes. The fruit will ripen from August until November and then begin to shrink and harden. The capsules will burst, showing a white seed inside. These are often compared to pieces of popcorn, hence the name “popcorn tree.”
The popcorn-like seeds of the Chinese tallow appear in late summer and early fall and are a favorite of birds like red-bellied woodpeckers, cardinals, and red-winged blackbirds. These birds are one of the main methods of seed dispersal for the tallow tree. The seeds can also be dispersed by water. They are easily transported by rivers or flood waters and carried to new locations to germinate. The tree can produce seeds in as little as three years, with a mature tallow tree producing up to 100,000 seeds every year.
In addition to seed production, the trees can resprout from stumps. Both sprouts and seedlings grow quickly, up to 13 feet a year. While most tree species develop fibrous roots that spread wide, tallow seedlings grow a tap root that reaches deep into the soil, enabling them to withstand drought conditions and more moist locations.
General Distribution
This tree has found a home ranging from the North Carolina coast southward to the Gulf of Mexico. Some trees have been found scattered in other states, as far west as California. The humid, wet, and mild conditions of Eastern China helped the tallow tree feel right at home in the southeastern U.S. and other warm places like Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, India, Martinique, Sundan, and the south of France.
Environmental Impact
The seed volume, seedling success, quick growth rate, and wide dispersal methods make the Chinese tallow a successful invasive species. It is drought and shade tolerant. While limited by cold temperatures, it can tolerate a wide variety of environmental conditions, including areas with salt water or fresh water. It can dominate grasslands, roadsides, or harvested sites. The species’ ability to colonize a broad host of sites is problematic because it shades out native species, reduces biodiversity, and complicates site preparation for replanting native trees. Chinese tallow can also grow in undisturbed forests, creating competition for native trees. The sap from young trees can be a skin irritant to humans, and the seeds and leaves are toxic to humans and cattle, causing nausea and vomiting. Sheep and goats are known to eat the leaves without ill effects.
Management
Chinese tallow can be treated with non-chemical control with persistence. Chemical methods are the most reliable and effective method of control.
Non-Chemical Management
Small seedlings can be hand pulled, but this may only be practical if there are not a lot of seedlings in the area. Cutting and removal are not enough to kill a tallow tree. After cutting, the stump will grow sprouts, which must also be cut back, or the tree will continue to grow. Physical removal with root wrenching can often result in additional trees growing from remaining roots, called root sprouts. If not thoroughly removed, one Chinese tallow can turn into several from leftover roots in the ground. When using mechanical techniques, such as mowing or mulching, a follow up treatment with chemicals or fire is often necessary to prevent sprouts.
Fire can be an effective management tool, especially if combined with other control practices. Small seedlings can be killed by fire, while larger trees may be weakened. Burning can encourage sprouting if the entire plant is not killed. For this reason, fire may be an option for management if the burn cycle is short, 1-2 years. Having enough fuel to carry a fire with a short burn rotation can be a challenge and limit burn effectiveness. Fire is best used in combination with other management techniques, such as chemical and mechanical.
Chemical Management
Chinese tallow can be treated with herbicides labeled for control. Herbicides can be applied using several methods depending on the conditions at the site and applicator preference. Triclopyr, glyphosate, and imazapyr are acceptable and effective herbicides for the common application methods listed below. Application rates may vary depending on the product selected. Read the label and follow the application instructions for every herbicide you apply. Following the label is the law.
It is important to consider the site location when selecting herbicides. If the site is wet and there is a possibility that the herbicide may come in contact with water, then the herbicide needs to be labeled for aquatic use.
Cut-stump applications are an effective option if the applicator can cut the tree down and remove it. Once the tree is removed, triclopyr can be applied to the remaining stump using a paintbrush, spray bottle, or backpack sprayer. The living area of the stump is the outermost ring, so the herbicide should be applied to the outer ring right after the stump is cut. A dye can be used to see where the herbicide has already been applied. This method is best for trees over six inches in diameter.
The hack and squirt method (or frill and spray) would be an effective way to apply the herbicide if, for any reason, the tree cannot be cut down. Using a hatchet or machete, cut a wedge into the tree trunk, below the lowest branch, at a 45° angle and about 2 inches long, making sure to cut into the living section of the tree. Multiple wedges should be cut and spaced 1-2 inches apart. Fill the wedges with the selected herbicide, trying not to let it overflow as this wastes herbicide and can impact non-targeted plants. This method is less effective in spring when tree sap may push out the herbicide.
Foliar application, or spraying herbicide directly onto leaves, is effective for Chinese tallow control if the equipment on hand can reach the canopy. This treatment is suitable for areas dominated by Chinese tallow or other plants that also need control, as herbicide drift can cause damage to surrounding trees. Foliar applications need to have a non-ionic surfactant added to increase effectiveness. Follow-up treatment may be necessary for complete control.
For more information on chemical control, please contact your local Extension agent.
Originally published 11/24