You showcased the Chinese Tallow Tree today, May 13, in your weekly newsletter. This is on the Invasive Species Plant list in Texas, Louisiana and Florida just to name a few states. Yes, the spring blooms are great for bees, but the tree spreads by seeds produced and thru the underground root system. It will transform native habitats into monospecific (single species) tallow forests in the absence of land management practices. Chinese tallow alters light availability for other plant species. Fallen tallow leaves contain toxins that create unfavorable soil conditions for native plant species. Chinese tallow will outcompete native plant species, reducing habitat for wildlife as well as forage areas for livestock.

I am disappointed your organization would highlight an Invasive Species so designated in many of the Southern States.

Sheri Bethard

The plants in that section of the newsletter are randomly generated from the database here. If you look in the database you will see comments regarding this problem.

Just because it gets showcased in the newsletter doesn't mean it's a list of recommended plants, as mentioned above, it's randomly drawn from our database just like any other plant listed in the newsletter.

The plant exists, therefore it has a place in the database just like any other invasive species. It's up to the individual to educate themselves on the pros and cons when considering a plant.
If you would like to contribute to the database, you can include the warning info you posted here in the comments section of the entry.
Chinese Tallow Tree (Triadica sebifera)

I wish more people would post comments about plants that are a problem in their neck of the woods. I don't know if this tree is invasive in the Pacific Northwest but it is always good to check your state's invasive plants list before adding an unfamiliar plant. Quite frankly, I have too many nasty invaders and I admit I was negligent over the years and boy do I regret it.

In my honest opinion this is a "weed tree" that should never be purposely planted! And if it is in your area, please make plans for removing!