Chinese Cedar
Toona sinensisfam. Meliaceae
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Pl. F9C2 — Toona sinensis
Toona sinensisToona sinensisToona sinensisToona sinensisToona sinensisToona sinensisToona sinensisToona sinensisToona sinensisToona sinensisToona sinensisToona sinensisToona sinensisToona sinensis
IOverview
Overview
Chinese Cedar (Toona sinensis) is a large tree native to regions including Borneo, China North-Central, and Vietnam. Known for its edible parts such as fruit, leaves, and shoots, it thrives in moist environments with light to heavy soils, preferring a pH range of 5.5–6.5. This tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and is found across a wide native range from East Himalaya to Sumatera. Its distinctive feature lies in its adaptability to various soil types while maintaining a preference for lighter textures.
Quick answers
What is Chinese Cedar?
Chinese Cedar (Toona sinensis) is a large tree native to regions including Borneo, China North-Central, and Vietnam. Known for its edible parts such as fruit, leaves, and shoots, it thrives in moist environments with light to heavy soils, preferring a pH range of 5.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Chinese Cedar (Toona sinensis) thrives in moist conditions and prefers light to medium or heavy soils. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 6-11. This tree requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Water the plant regularly, ensuring it remains moist but not waterlogged. For best results, maintain a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. The edible parts include fruit, leaves, and shoots.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-11
Habit
Tree
Mature size
20.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Chinese Cedar for the first time
8steps
Chinese Cedar is a hardy, fast-growing tree that's perfect for beginners looking to add a large, attractive plant to their garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Chinese Cedar sapling and some basic gardening tools like a spade and watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early fall when the weather is mild and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure your soil is well-draining, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Amend heavy clay soils with sand for better drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling into a prepared hole that's twice as wide but not deeper than its root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering, especially in dry periods. Fertilize once a year with a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees to shape them and remove any dead or diseased branches. Harvest leaves and shoots for culinary use as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular watering during dry spells, using the wrong fertilizer, and not providing enough space for growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeavesShoots
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:FragranceLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
16 native · 5 introduced
Distribution
16 native · 5 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 16 native· 5 introduced
Asia10 regions
native (8)ChinaLaosMyanmarNepalPakistanSri LankaThailandVietnam
introduced (2)AfghanistanSouth Korea
Africa2 regions
introduced (2)TanzaniaUganda
Broader regions
native:Borneo, Sumatera, East Himalaya, Jawa, Malaya
introduced:Maryland
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Meliaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Meliaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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