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Japanese Wax Tree Flower Wikimedia Commons
Anacardiaceae

Japanese Wax Tree Flower

Toxicodendron succedaneum

Useful transformation and autumn flame.

Family
Anacardiaceae
Genus
Toxicodendron
Native to
Japan, China, Korea, Southeast Asia
Bloom season
Late Spring
Type
deciduous tree
Height
6–10 m
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
well-drained, adaptable
Water
low to medium
Hardiness
8–10
Lifespan
50–80 years

Did you know

  • Despite its name, Japanese wax tree is closely related to poison ivy and its sap can cause severe contact dermatitis.
  • Wax extracted from the berries was the primary candle-making material in Japan for centuries before petroleum-based waxes.
  • The autumn foliage turns spectacular shades of scarlet and crimson, earning it the Japanese name 'haze' celebrated in haiku.
  • Traditional Japanese sumac wax (mokuro) is still used to make high-end candles for Buddhist temples.
  • The tree was introduced to many warm-climate countries and has become invasive in Australia and New Zealand.

Color meanings

Yellow-Green

practical ingenuity

Cream

quiet industry

Uses

  • traditional wax production
  • candle making
  • lacquerware
  • autumn ornamental