Chinaberry, also known as the pride of India, Persian lilac, umbrella tree, and white cedar, is a tree with durable, high quality wood that is used for timber. The wood ranges in color from light brown to dark red. It is resistant to attack by insects and disease. The chinaberry originates in Southeast Asia and Australia. Outside of its native range, it is considered an invasive species because it grows quickly and can outgrow native species.
Chinaberry can grow in a wide variety of soils, in full sunlight, and in partial shade. It can survive heat and drought. The chinaberry can grow 18 to 24 feet (5 to 7 meters) tall in just 4 to 5 years. It can reach 50 to 60 feet (15 to 18 meters) in total height. Its trunk may reach 2 feet (60 centimeters) in diameter.
The bark of the chinaberry is brown to reddish-brown and splits on mature trees. The leaves are dark blue-green and pointed, with notched edges. The leaves are compound, with full leaves measuring 8 to 16 inches (20 to 40 centimeters) long. The individual leaflets are 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) long and up to 1 inch (3 centimeters) wide. The tree blooms in spring, bearing mildly scented flowers with five purplish-white petals. The tree’s fruit is a round berry about the size of a marble. It appears green and turns yellow when ripe.
The chinaberry is poisonous to humans and other mammals. It produces toxins in its fruit, bark, leaves, and flowers. Poisoning usually occurs from eating the berries. The berries are safely eaten by birds, however, which spread the seeds in their droppings.
People have spread the chinaberry outside its native range because it is a fast-growing tree that is attractive and provides shade. Invasive chinaberry has been found in the southern United States since the 1800’s. It can also be found in the states of New York and Hawaii, and the commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
