Firmiana simplex Sterculiaceae Barbara and John Hopper, Kenwood This lovely deciduous tree is a relative of our native Fremontodendron, although it is native to Southeast Asia. The leaves look like thinner and much larger Fremontodendron leaves. Those shown had beautiful yellow fall color. This specimen is 10’ tall after 9 or 10 years and has a trunk very straight like a pole with a crown of large leaves at the top. Thus, its common name of Chinese parasol tree. It takes normal garden soil and care and needs some summer water. The flowers in July are small and greenish white... Photo by Bruce Peters