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Chinese Parasol-tree

Firmiana simplex

Found in forests, edges, disturbed areas; planted and naturalizing. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), South Central edition What its natural habitat tells you

-30
Harmful

Not native to Mississippi. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 82%

Height
30–45 feet
Spread
20–30 feet
Light
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil moisture
Usually moist
See native alternatives

Do not plant. Listed invasive in Mississippi.

Plant this instead

Choose your county to list local plants first.

  • Staghorn Sumac
    Rhus typhina

    Sun: Full sun. Soil: Dry to average. Flowers: Red.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

  • Washington Hawthorn
    Crataegus phaenopyrum

    Sun: Full sun. Soil: Somewhat dry to average. Flowers: White.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

  • American Persimmon
    Diospyros virginiana

    Sun: Full sun, Partial shade. Soil: Somewhat dry to moist. Flowers: Yellow, green, orange or white.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

Refine these alternatives in the finder

Check a whole list of plants

At a glance

Life cycle
Woody perennial
Leaves
Deciduous
Bloom
May to August
Fruiting season
June to October

Recorded in 4 Mississippi counties.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

1 of 2

Forests and woodlands

Forest or woodland where the source does not say how moist or dry.

Roadsides, fields and disturbed ground

Ground opened by people: roadsides, old fields, pastures, fencerows and lots.

All habitats

Also found with this plant

Wildlife whose habitat models include habitats this plant grows in, in Mississippi. Shared habitat, not food. 91 animals.

All wildlife of Mississippi

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

—CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including MS
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Malvaceae
Hardiness
Zones 7a–9b
Soil pH
Acidic to alkaline
Flower color
Cream, yellow, green or white
Fruit begins
June
Fruit ends
October

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope
Also known as

Chinese Parasol Tree; Chinese Parasoltree; Firmiana platanifolia; Phoenix Tree

Conservation status

Mississippi rankSNA
Global rankGNR
MS statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources