Toona sinensis (Cedrela sinensis) Chinese Mahogany

A vigorous and curious deciduous tree hailing from Korea, China and Nepal as well as an assortment of other Asian countries. Plants have an upright oval framework with capacity to sucker from the roots. The smooth young bark matures with a shaggy quality, peeling into long strips. The dense, red-blushed inner wood is prized in fine furniture construction. Large clusters of white flowers are held among the glossy sumac-like leaves in early summer. The adaptable plants are tolerant of varied soils showing good performance in low fertility in both sun and part shade. Apparently in China the young leaves are used as a vegetable with an apparent onion-like flavor.