Wax Tree
Rhus succedanea
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Pl. 1769 — Rhus succedanea
Rhus succedaneaRhus succedaneaRhus succedaneaRhus succedaneaRhus succedaneaRhus succedaneaRhus succedaneaRhus succedaneaRhus succedaneaRhus succedaneaRhus succedaneaRhus succedaneaRhus succedaneaRhus succedanea
IOverview
Overview
The Wax Tree (Rhus succedanea) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern and southeastern regions of Asia, including Assam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Japan, Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam, and parts of India. Known for its edible fruit, it thrives in moist conditions with light to medium soil types and can tolerate a range of hardiness zones from 4 to 9. This tree reaches heights of up to 9 meters and is valued not only for its ornamental qualities but also for the sweet, edible berries that ripen in late summer or early fall. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow well under full sun, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Wax Tree?
The Wax Tree (Rhus succedanea) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern and southeastern regions of Asia, including Assam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Japan, Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam, and parts of India.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Wax Tree thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-9 and grows to a height of about 9 meters. For propagation, the tree can be grown from seed or cuttings. Given its native range across East Asia and Southeast Asia, it adapts well to temperate regions with similar climates. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for best fruit production.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-9
Mature size
9.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Wax Tree for the first time
8steps
Start with a Wax Tree for its hardiness and adaptability, making it perfect for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
A Wax Tree sapling or seeds, a trowel, mulch, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is moist but not wet.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that's light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure full sun exposure.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings directly into the ground or sow seeds in containers first before planting outdoors.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune annually to encourage healthy growth and remove any dead or diseased branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without amending, neglecting winter protection in colder regions, not providing enough sunlight, and failing to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Oil, Drink
Other uses:DyeLacquerMordantoilVarnishWax
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
24 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
24 native · 2 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 24 native· 2 introduced
Asia12 regions
native (12)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaJapanLaosMyanmarNepalSouth KoreaTaiwanThailandVietnam
Americas1 region
introduced (1)Cuba
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, Hainan, Malaya, Nansei-shoto, Ogasawara-shoto, Sumatera, West Himalaya
introduced:Caroline Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 1769035f-e193-4b51-acab-8caedbf76eb7
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