Melia azederach

Chinaberry, Persian Lilac, Bead Tree

These ornamental trees and shrubs spread a globe of slender branches atop a sturdy trunk. Open sprays of fragrant lilac flowers bloom among bright green leaflets in spring and early summer. Clusters of round yellow berries remain on bare branches in fall. Fast-growing and self-seeding, though short-lived, they are often used for reforestation in Asia and Australia. The imported Chinaberry (Melia azederach) has established itself in the southern United States and begun invading wild areas. The flatter, spreading shape of the Texan Umbrella Tree (Melia azederach 'Umbraculiformis') brings welcome shade to hot dry terrain where other trees will not grow. Rich green leaves turn gold in fall. Bushy 'Floribunda' blooms lavishly. Need full sun and a frost-free climate. Adapt to many well-drained soil types. Very drought-tolerant. Plant where you can deal with leaf and fruit litter most of the year. Berries, flowers, leaves and bark can cause gastric or respiratory distress if eaten in quantities. Keep seedlings and suckers under control.

The hard, yellow fruit of this tree is poisonous. The lilac-colored flowers are fragrant in the evening.

Attributes - Melia azederach

Plant Type: Tree

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Mid Summer

Flower Color: Lavender

Foliage: Deciduous

Height: 30 ft. to 50 ft.

Width: 60 ft.

Sunlight: Full Sun

Climate: Zones 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Notes: Fragrant, Poisonous.

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