Thank you RockM for that information. I am begining to understand why there are not more Chinese Tallows as bonsai trees. There is alot of difference of opinion on whether Tallow is a tree that is appreciated in the United States. The key words there are, "in the United States". Historically, Tallow has been an important crop in China for centuries because of its oil production. However, old Ben Franklin didn't have a clue of what he was starting when he imported them in because of their beautiful shaped leaves and wonderful fall colors.
That PDF file you sent had the phone number to the Texas Forest Service. I gave them a call and had a great conversation with their specialist on invassive species. He did explain that Tallows are on the list of Texas Noxious Species and are illegal to sell (so much for that idea). He really thought it funny about how well they work for bonsai. Near impossible to kill. The roots bud back quickly. Seeds are viable for ten years on the ground, and birds eat them and thus spread the seeds. We both aggreed that trying to irradicate them from the US is not financially feesible nor realistic. Only thing that will stop the spread is the grow zones. They like more tropical zones.
If you never have talked to your forestry service guys, you should. Few people appreciate trees more than these guy and gals. We had an extended conversation of all of the local invassive species and about bonsai. He even wanted to see pictures of what all I was working on.
Now I understand why there are few Tallow Bonsai. It is a shame because they lend so well to it. However, that also means that if you are raising a Tallow as a bonsai, you have a rare tree and a rare treat. Show it off at shows, but watch that someone doesn't come by, yank it out of its pots and stomp it to death for the greater good of your state.
