Triadica sebifera aka Popcorntree

Triadica sebifera is the Chinese tallow tree, or popcorn tree. It belongs to the spurge family and sheds its leaves. Its native range includes central and southern China, Vietnam, and temperate eastern Asia. It grows fast and has spread through the southeastern United States. Garden trees often reach 30–40 feet [9.1–12.2 metres] tall. Smaller trees may stand near 20 feet [6.1 metres]. Some reach 50 feet [15.2 metres]. Spread ranges from 25–40 feet [7.6–12.2 metres]. The open crown can be oval, rounded, or pyramidal.

The trunk can twist as it grows. Bark ranges from smooth gray to dark brown with deep cracks. Older bark may shed in thin strips. Slender green twigs turn pale brown with age. Damaged parts release a white, milky sap. Simple leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. They have smooth edges, long tips, and heart-shaped or oval blades. Yellow veins stand out against the green leaf surface. Fall leaves turn yellow, red, or reddish purple.

Small yellow-green flowers form hanging spikes in spring and summer. They lack petals and draw bees and other insects. Each tree bears both male and female flowers. Male flowers cluster above the female flowers on each spike. The fruit ripens from late summer into early fall. Brown to nearly black capsules split into three sections. Each reveals three round seeds with a white wax coat. These look like popcorn and can remain through winter. Birds visit the seeds, while fallen fruit and leaves create litter.

Full sun and moist soil suit this tree best. It also tolerates shade, wet ground, and some drought. It grows in clay, sand, or loam across varied soil pH. Sources place it in USDA zones 8–10, extending to 11. People have grown it for shade, screens, and fall color. Seed wax supplies material for candles and soap. The wax has food uses, but the seed-kernel oil is poisonous. The sap is poisonous and may irritate skin. Eating the fruit can cause nausea and vomiting.

Few serious pests or diseases trouble this tree. Its brittle branches can break, so structural pruning matters. Large surface roots can hinder lawn use. Roots also send up shoots, and seeds produce many unwanted seedlings. It invades woods and wetland edges, crowding out native plants. UF/IFAS advises against planting it because of this spread. The RHS reports a UK sales ban and restrictions on wild planting.