Chinese Parasol Tree

September 24, 2016

I saw these trees blooming in a park on Camp Robinson Road in NLR.  They were magnificent! At the time, they were in full bloom. The leaves are very large and the bark is beautiful. A friend and I had no luck identifying them. Someone suggested a Mulberry by the leaf I brought home, which measures over 12" in diameter, but that is not its identity. Having no luck with any books I have, and friends, I knew I could get my answer from you.  Now that I have seen it in bloom, I will be watching for the results of the blooms.  

The tree in question is commonly called a Chinese parasol tree—Firmiana simplex. They are an interesting tree with large leaves and the bark stays smooth and green even as it ages    

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