Umbrella tree

Heptapleurum actinophyllum

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, sap/juice, seeds, stems

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

eating any part; skin contact with sap

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

The same warning carries to the Schefflera genus as a caution, not a species finding.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Plants that share its name. To tell them apart: Octopus tree / umbrella tree names are shared with unrelated plants (Melia azedarach 'Texas umbrella tree' is also toxic)..

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 10a to 12b (NC State).
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: Indoor plants 4 to 6 ft tall and 3 to 6 ft wide; up to 40 ft in the wild (NC State).
Family: Araliaceae (NC State)
Where it comes from: South New Guinea to northern Australia (NC State).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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