Chinese Mahogany (Toona sinensis)
Chinese Mahogany (Toona sinensis), sometimes called Chinese Toon or Chinese Cedar, is a striking ornamental and useful shade tree admired for its elegant foliage and fast growth. Native to China and parts of Southeast Asia, this handsome deciduous tree develops a broad canopy of large, graceful compound leaves that give the tree a soft, tropical appearance in the landscape.
The foliage emerges in spring with attractive reddish or bronze tones before maturing to rich green. In early summer, the tree produces large clusters of small creamy-white flowers held above the canopy in airy panicles. These blossoms are lightly fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees.
As the tree matures, the bark becomes grayish-brown and develops subtle vertical ridges, adding character to the trunk. The overall form is upright when young, gradually developing into a rounded shade tree that provides welcome shelter in the landscape.
Chinese Mahogany grows quickly and adapts well to a variety of soils and climates. In addition to its ornamental value, the young leaves are used in Asian cuisine, where they are prized for their distinctive flavor. In the garden or landscape, the tree offers bold texture, rapid growth, and a graceful canopy that adds structure and shade.
Growing Conditions
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Light: Full sun to partial sun
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Water: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil but tolerates short dry periods once established
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Soil: Adaptable to well-drained clay, loam, or sandy soils
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pH: Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils tolerated
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Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–9
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Mature Size: Typically 40–60 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide
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Growth Rate: Fast growing
Landscape Uses
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Shade tree for lawns and larger landscapes
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Specimen tree valued for its bold tropical-looking foliage
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Fast-growing landscape tree for establishing canopy
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Pollinator-friendly tree attracting bees during flowering
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Edible landscape plant where young leaves are harvested for culinary use
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Accent tree providing strong texture in mixed plantings
