Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera) - Evergreen Trees Direct

Sapium Sebiferum (syn. Triadica Sebifera) - Evergreen Trees Direct

Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera)

Name: Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera)
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
Price: 620.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$620.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 100L

100L 40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: Enquire within for height guide information.
100L: Enquire within for height guide information.

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera)

Sapium sebiferum, known as the Chinese Tallow Tree or Popcorn Tree, is a medium-sized deciduous feature tree prized for its eye-catching autumn colours. Its broad, heart-shaped leaves shift from green in spring and summer to vivid reds, purples, and golds in autumn, creating excellent seasonal contrast.

Growing 6–8 metres tall with a compact, upright to rounded canopy, it suits medium gardens, streetscapes, and parks where space and impact matter. It thrives in full sun with well-drained soil, tolerates urban conditions, and requires minimal maintenance once established—making it an excellent choice for adding strong seasonal colour without overpowering the landscape.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera) is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 6m - 12m Approximately

Mature Width: 4 – 9 m

Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera) is expected to grow Approx. 1 – 1.5 m per year.

Frost Tolerance

Is Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera) frost tolerant?

Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera) is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Flowering Information

Chinese Tallow Tree produces slender clusters of pale yellow-green flowers in late spring. While not ornamental, these small blooms form at the branch tips and provide a light pollen source before developing into distinctive three-lobed seed capsules.

Native Information

Is Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera) an Australian Native? No

Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera) is Native to Eastern Asia, particularly China and Taiwan, where it grows in lowland forests, river valleys, and subtropical regions.

Wildlife Value

Its flowers support bees, hoverflies and other pollinating insects, while the seed capsules attract birds and beneficial wildlife. The dense canopy offers shelter for small birds, and the foliage supports a variety of insects, contributing to a more biodiverse garden ecosystem.

Sunlight Information

Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera) will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preffered Soil

Chinese Tallow Tree performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It can manage poorer soils but may struggle in heavy clay or waterlogged ground unless improved with organic matter to enhance aeration and drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support healthy growth and reliable seasonal colour.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Chinese Tallow Tree

Genus: Sapium

Botanical Species: sebifera

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Botanical Name: Sapium sebiferum

Landscape Uses

Feature Tree
Shade Tree
Avenue Planting
Council or Civic Landscapes
Rural Property Planting

Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera) works in an:

Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Planting, Spacing & Care

How to Plant:

Choose a location with well-draining soil and exposure to full sun.
Dig a hole that is the same depth as the root ball and at least twice as wide.
Place the tree in the hole at the correct depth.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and add mulch to conserve moisture.

Feature Planting: Plant 4 m – 6 m apart to showcase canopy

Shade or Habitat Planting: Plant 6 m – 9 m apart for broader crown development

Avenue or Landscape Use: 6 m – 8 m apart for consistent spacing in rows

Caring for Sapium sebiferum:

Prune sparingly to maintain the desired shape and remove dead or diseased branches.
Water regularly during the establishment phase and dry periods to ensure healthy growth.
Appreciate the year-round beauty of the distinctive seeds, vibrant fall foliage, and ecological importance of the Chinese Tallow Tree in supporting wildlife.

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

Chinese Tallow Tree is adaptable but thrives best in:

Loam: Ideal for strong, even growth.
Clay: Will tolerate heavier soils if drainage is adequate. Consider improving drainage before planting.
Sandy Soil: Grows well, but benefits from mulching to retain moisture.
Poor Soils: Hardy enough to establish in low-nutrient soils but grows faster with organic matter added.

The key is well-draining soil and full sun to maximise form and seasonal colour

Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera) is expected to grow Approx. 1 – 1.5 m per year.

Medium Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

Subtropical QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Sydney & Central Coast
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Thrives in

Full Sun

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Drought Tolerance

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Chinese Tallow Tree develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs reliably in warm, dry conditions, though deep, occasional watering during extended heat helps maintain its vibrant autumn foliage.

Flowering Information

Does Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera) flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring
Summer

Flower Type:

Clustered

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes the Chinese Tallow Tree a good feature plant?
A: Its vivid autumn foliage in red, orange, and purple makes it a seasonal standout, ideal for contrast planting.

Q: Is Sapium sebiferum drought-tolerant?
A: It handles moderate drought well once established, especially in well-drained soils.

Q: Does it create a mess with its fruit?
A: The white seed capsules can fall and may be noticeable, but they’re relatively easy to manage in garden settings.

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