Wax Tree Care

Toxicodendron succedaneum is a deciduous Tree growing to 9 m (29ft) by 9 m (29ft). It is hardy to zone (UK) 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile.

Toxicodendron succedaneum, the wax tree, Japanese Hazenoki tree (Sumac or wax tree) or sơn in Vietnam, is a flowering plant species in the genus Toxicodendron found in Asia, although it has been planted elsewhere, most notably Australia and New Zealand. It is a large shrub or tree, up to 8 m tall, somewhat similar to a sumac tree. Because of its beautiful autumn foliage, it has been planted outside Asia as an ornamental plant, often by gardeners who were apparently unaware of the dangers of allergic reactions. It is now officially classified as a noxious weed in Australia and New Zealand. It is one of the city tree symbols of Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan. The larvae of the moths Eteoryctis deversa, Caloptilia aurifasciata, Caloptilia protiella, Caloptilia rhois and Callidrepana patrana feed on T. succedaneum. It is used to produce lacquer. In Vietnam, the lacquer is used to produce lacquer paintings, known as sơn mài, from resin of the tree.