Abstract

The Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum (L.) Roxb.) is an invasive species native to subtropical China. Over the past two hundred years agriculturalists and horticulturalists have repeatedly introduced this species into the United States as an ornamental and seed oil crop. The tallow tree is quick-growing, produces large quantities of seeds, and is only limited in distribution by freezing temperatures. Consequently, it has quickly established numerous populations in the southern coastal plain of the United States. Control of this species has proven difficult due to high seed output and ability to sprout from stumps and roots.

This thesis encompasses three separate projects. First a survey of reproductive and immature trees on the Northwestern State University campus was conducted. There were 34 adult reproducing trees located on campus. Second, two portions of the Tennessee Gas Pipeline were surveyed. Although trees were present along the edge of the gas line, seedlings within the mowed areas were rare. Third, the effects of cutting on different height classes of immature Chinese tallow trees were observed. There is a significant difference between treated and control organisms, with those trees less than 33.3cm in height most likely to die from cutting. Other size classes showed a significant decrease in growth compared to their control pairs. These results suggest that young Chinese tallow trees in their first few months of growth can be managed by coppicing.