| This tree, also known as Sapium sebiferum, is a fairly common street tree. It is in the Euphorbaceae family, a very diverse family which includes plants of almost any imaginable shape. Like most euphorbs., this one has milky sap. For most of the year, this is a fairly small, un-notable tree. In the fall, however, the leaves put on a brilliant display of colors ranging from purple to red to yellow. The color is best in areas that get cool autumns, but don't get below 15 or 20 degrees in the winter. This tree prefers full sun and somewhat moist soils. |
