Toon Tree

Toon: Unique Edible Spring Shoots

(Toona sinensis)

Toona sinensis, commonly known as Chinese Toon or Chinese Mahogany, is a versatile tree valued for its edible leaves, timber, and ornamental qualities. Native to eastern and southeastern Asia, this fast-growing deciduous tree offers unique benefits to permaculture systems and diverse landscapes.

Although it can grow to heights of 60 feet in ideal conditions, coppicing/pollarding will allow you to keep trees small and give you fresh shoots every spring. Toon trees feature pinnate leaves that emerge with a striking reddish-purple color in spring before turning green. The young leaves and shoots are edible, with a flavor often described as onion-like or similar to bouillon. Great for stir fries and omelets.

Toon trees prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They’re hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. One of toon’s key advantages is its multi-functional nature. Besides its edible parts, the tree produces valuable timber similar to mahogany. It’s also fast-growing, making it useful for windbreaks or shade.

At Humble Abode Nursery, we offer bare-root toon tree seedlings selected for vigor and leaf quality. Our stock is grown using sustainable practices to ensure healthy, adaptable specimens.

We cultivate toon as part of our commitment to introducing diverse, multi-purpose trees to temperate climates. This tree represents an opportunity to explore Asian culinary traditions while adding a unique element to your food forest or landscape.

Consider adding toon to your property if you’re interested in edible landscaping, agroforestry, or want to diversify your garden with unusual edible plants.