This is a "Multiple Variation" style listing. Use the "Seed Qty" drop-down menu, above, to select quantity/weight. Choose from: 10 Seeds for $2.00 30 Seeds for $4.00 60 Seeds for $6.00 120 Seeds for $10.00 240 Seeds for $18.00 480 Seeds for $34.00 This item ships free when paid together with any other purchase. U.S. addresses only. Chinese Parasol, Firmiana simplex, Tree Seeds Adaptable, Easy to Grow, Fast Growth, Large Tropical Leaves, Showy Fragrant Flowers, Showy Fruit, Shade Tree, Cold and Heat Tolerant Chinese Parasol Tree is a small to medium-sized upright deciduous tree with a rounded crown. It is native to China, Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia. It was introduced into the United States in the 1850s, and has naturalized over time in the Southeast from Virginia to Florida and Texas as well as in California. It typically grows 30 to 45 feet tall. This fast growing tree is perhaps best noted for its very large, tropical looking, bright green, palmately-veined, 3 to 5 lobed leaves up to 12 inches across. Leaves turn yellow in fall. Flowers are small, fragrant, star-shaped, yellowish-green to 3/4 inches wide in borne in clusters to 12 inches, blooming in early summer. Flowers give way to leathery capsules that split open when ripe in the fall. Smooth greenish bark on the young branches and trunk is somewhat unusual. Genus name honors Karl Joseph von Firmian (1716-1782), Austrian statesman. Specific epithet is in reference to the simple (as opposed to compound) leaves. Additional common names for this tree are Varnish Tree because seed pods release a brownish, varnish-like fluid as they open and Phoenix Tree because supernatural Phoenix bird of Chinese legend perched on Firmiana trees). Due to its superior sonic properties, the wood is used for the soundboards of several Chinese instruments, including the guqin and guzheng. Chinese Parasol Tree is mostly grown as an ornamental in warm regions of North America, yet can tolerate cold possibly to -20 degrees F. Leaf: Alternate, simple, very large 3 to 5 lobed leaves (often maple looking), 8 to over 12 inches long and wide, very long petiole, bright green above, often fuzzy beneath. Flower: Large (12 to 18 inches), upright, loose, terminal clusters of small yellow-green flowers, appearing in mid-summer. Fruit: Interesting pods that soon splits open into 4 or 5 petal-like sections (3 to 4 inches long); 1/4 inch round, 1 to 3 reddish brown seeds are found hanging inside each section, ripen in late summer and persist into the fall. Twig: Stout, green, large nearly circular leaf scar; bud large, round with numerous fuzzy red-brown scales. Bark: Attractive, thin, smooth, green with paler greenish white stripes; on large specimens the trunk will develop shallow splits and turn gray-brown. Form: An upright small to medium sized tree with an oval to rounded crown reaching 30 to 40 feet tall. Other Names: Chinese Parasol Tree, Sterculia platanifolia, Firmiana platanifolia, Chinese Bottle Tree, Japanese Varnish Tree, Phoenix Tree, wutong Zone: 7 to 11 (Possibly 6) Growth Rate: Fast Plant Type: Small to medium sized deciduous tree. Family: Malvaceae Native Range: Eastern China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam Height: 30 to 45 feet Spread: 20 to 30 feet Shape: Upright, Rounded Bloom Time: June-July Bloom Color: Yellowish-green Sun: Sun to Part Shade Fall Color: Yellow Drought Tolerance: Moderate Water: Medium Maintenance: Medium Site Requirements /Soil Tolerances: Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in locations protected from strong winds. Best with regular moisture, although established trees develop some drought resistance. Culture: Easy to transplant. Uses: Landscape, patio, woodland garden, shade tree, street tree (although fruit/leaf litter can be messy). Seed pods may be picked for indoor decoration use. Sowing Firmiana simplex Seeds: For best results, please follow the instructions in the order provided. Scarify: Pour Hot water over seed. Soak in water 24 Hours Stratify: Cold 60 days, 40 Degrees F Germination: Sow 1/4 to 1/2” Deep For more information about seed pretreatment and growing trees and shrubs from seed, please try the following links: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/fcpg018.pdf/$file/fcpg018.pdf Germination: Seeds Packets are labeled with seed name and sowing details. Seeds have not been pretreated unless specified in the listing. Seed is not a specific Cultivar (Variety) unless specified in the listing. Due to the many factors involved in successful germination, Seller cannot be responsible for buyers growing methods or mistakes. I have provided what I believe to be a good overview on this page (which you are free to print for further reference), however, it is still recommended to check specialist literature for more details and practices specific to your climate and soil conditions to avoid mistakes in the germination and growing process. Shipping and Discounts: All items are set up to automatically discount as follows: Any promotional offers are discounted by using the "Add to Cart "only.To qualify for any discounts, items must be paid together, on the same eCRATER invoice.If paid separately, no discounts will be applied though seller reserves the right to ship together.If there are any questions or concerns about the amount due, please message me before paying so I can address all of your concerns before there is a problem. Buyer assumes responsibility once payment has been made. International Buyer’s: It is the buyer’s responsibility to know their countries customs laws. Plant and plant materials including seeds may be restricted from importing to your country. Please check with your customs agency and or post office before purchasing. Upon purchasing this item Buyer accepts the risk of item being confiscated and/or destroyed by customs and Seller will not be held liable for this. If you are on my exclusion list it is because: “Plant and plant materials including seeds” are restricted from importing to your country, it is enforced by your country and there is a high rate of customs checking for this.