Cancer Tree, Tree Of Life, Happy Tree, False Tupelo, Xi Shu

Camptothecaacuminata

Species
acuminata (ah-kew-min-AY-tuh)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
over 40 ft. (12 m)
Spacing
over 40 ft. (12 m)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
N/A
Bloom Color
White/Near White
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Trees
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
From softwood cuttings
From semi-hardwood cuttings
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Anniston, Alabama

Jacksonville, Florida

Sulphur, Louisiana

Wilmington, North Carolina

Spring, Texas

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

1
positive
4
neutrals
1
negative
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E
| April 2014 | negative

A tree less than 10 years old was already over 30 feet tall and carpeting the ground and areas over 50 feet away with thousands of seedli...Read More

C
C
Cross Roads, PA | April 2014 | neutral

I would like to start a bonsai tree and would like to know if I can obtain a seedling of the Asian happy tree for this purpose. will this...Read More

N
Anniston, AL | March 2011 | neutral

who wouldnt want a happy tree in their garden? well, im having second thoughts. although interesting, the plant is starting to produce...Read More

3
3
33
Foster, RI | June 2009 | neutral

If anyone could please let me know where & or how I can get a hold of an established specimen of the Cancer Tree besides going to LA or p...Read More

G
(Zone 9a) | November 2007 | neutral

The "Propagation" and "Seed Collecting" information for C. acuminata is incorrect.

The seeds should not be allowed to dry...Read More

J
Bowling Green, OH | November 2007 | positive

I'd like to add something personal to the lore about this tree/plant. One of its derivatives used in the treatment of cancer is CPT-111. ...Read More

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