Shredded Umbrella Plant Syneilesis palmata
ABOUT
The plant known as umbrella plant has a distinctive appearance that can add an exotic touch to any garden. Its foliage resembles a collage of miniature, green umbrellas that spread out from the center of thin, sturdy stems. Each leaf is deeply lobed, giving it a palmate look akin to an open hand. The texture of the leaves is somewhat rough, adding to their unique charm. The leaves of the umbrella plant initially emerge in a rolled-up state, almost like intricately wrapped cones, which then gradually unfurl into their full splendor as temperatures warm. This display of unfolding leaves is a feature that many gardeners and plant enthusiasts eagerly anticipate each spring. The color palette of the umbrella plant's leaves is predominantly a lush, deep green. However, the undersides may display a paler tone, and young leaves often exhibit a lighter green hue. This dichotomy of shades adds a layer of visual depth and interest to the plant. Later in the season, the umbrella plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are not as flashy as its foliage, but they add a subtle charm of their own. These flowers might be less noticeable but still contribute to the overall aesthetic of the plant in its natural habitat or in a cultivated garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Shredded Umbrella Plant, Cutleaf Umbrella Plant
Common names
Cacalia palmata, Syneilesis aconitifolia.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Syneilesis palmata is "shredded umbrella plant." There is limited information on the toxicity of shredded umbrella plant to humans, and it is not commonly listed as a toxic plant. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, it is important to seek medical advice promptly.
To pets
The common name of Syneilesis palmata is "shredded umbrella plant." There is limited information on the toxicity of shredded umbrella plant to pets, and it is not typically recognized as a poisonous plant. However, if you notice any unusual symptoms in your pet after ingestion, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for advice.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Syneilesis palmata, commonly known as shredded umbrella plant, has a distinctive foliage that adds a unique texture and visual interest to gardens.
- Shade Tolerant: It is suitable for shaded areas of the garden where other plants might struggle to grow.
- Low Maintenance: The shredded umbrella plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it has good resistance to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Attracts Wildlife: It can attract beneficial insects to the garden, contributing to biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides seasonal interest with its changing foliage from spring through fall.
- Non-Invasive: The plant is not known to be invasive, making it a good choice for gardens without the worry of uncontrollable spread.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Syneilesis palmata, commonly known as Shredded Umbrella Plant, leaves can be used for artistic inspiration, especially in textile and pattern design, where the unique leaf shape adds an exotic flair.
- The Shredded Umbrella Plant's distinctive form makes it an excellent choice for educational purposes in botany and horticulture programs to study plant morphology and adaptation.
- These plants can play a role in landscape architecture and garden design, providing a textural contrast to other garden plants with their deeply divided, palmate leaves.
- The plant can be used in photography, particularly macro photography, to capture the intricate patterns of the foliage and explore the concept of natural symmetry and fractals.
- In insectaries and butterfly gardens, the Shredded Umbrella Plant can offer shelter and a potential habitat for various insects and caterpillars, contributing to biodiversity.
- Cultural symbolism can be attached to the Shredded Umbrella Plant in different societies, possibly encompassing themes of protection and shelter, given the plant's 'umbrella'-like appearance.
- Creative crafts such as pressing the leaves for decorative purposes in scrapbooking, card making, or botanical prints can utilize Syneilesis palmata.
- This plant can be incorporated into natural dyes for fabrics, although not commonly known or used for this purpose, the leaves might yield subtle colors with experimentation.
- Use Syneilesis palmata as a natural way to delineate spaces within a garden, their bushy growth can signal boundaries without the need for built structures.
- The Shredded Umbrella Plant’s silhouette can be used in environmental art installations—its unique leaf patterns offer aesthetic value and draw attention to the natural world.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Shredded Umbrella Plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Shredded Umbrella Plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: As Syneilesis palmata, commonly known as Shredded Umbrella Plant, can thrive in various conditions, it symbolizes resilience and the ability to withstand challenges.
- Protection: The shape of the leaves resembling umbrellas may symbolize protection and shelter against life's adversities.
- Growth: The way Shredded Umbrella Plant grows, with new leaves unfolding from the center, can represent personal growth and development.
- Unique Beauty: With its distinctive leaf shape, it symbolizes the beauty of being unique and standing out from the crowd.
WaterShredded umbrella plant, Syneilesis palmata, prefers evenly moist soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Generally, watering once a week with about 16 to 32 ounces of water would suffice, though this can vary based on temperature and humidity. It’s important to avoid overwatering, as soggy conditions can lead to root rot. During the winter months, you should reduce watering frequency since the plant's growth slows down, and it requires less water. Always use room temperature water and water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage.
LightShredded umbrella plant thrives best in partial shade to full shade conditions. It should be placed in a spot where it receives indirect light or dappled sunlight, especially avoiding the harsh afternoon sun. A location near a north-facing window or under the canopy of taller trees and shrubs outdoors would be ideal for this plant.
TemperatureShredded umbrella plant is hardy in a range of temperatures and can withstand a minimum temperature of about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it prefers average room temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimum growth. Avoid exposure to extreme cold or hot drafts that could damage the plant.
PruningPruning shredded umbrella plant isn’t typically necessary for health but can be done to maintain shape or remove any damaged or yellowing leaves. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning too often or during the active growing season can harm the plant’s natural form and growth pattern.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShredded umbrella plant thrives in a well-draining soil mix with high organic content, such as a blend of loam, peat, and sand or perlite. The ideal pH for the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, falling between 5.5 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingShredded umbrella plant should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in the spring just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingShredded umbrella plant prefers high humidity levels, generally above 60%, to mimic its native forest floor habitat. If indoor air is dry, consider using a humidifier or a pebble tray with water to increase immediate humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
Outdoor
Part shade, moist soil, sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleSyneilesis palmata, commonly known as Shredded Umbrella Plant, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade conditions. Once the seedling emerges, it develops a rosette of leaves and gradually forms a clump. As a perennial, the Shredded Umbrella Plant enters a period of vegetative growth each spring with distinctive, jagged-edged leaves that unfurl like umbrellas, earning its common name. Throughout the growing season, it may produce small, inconspicuous flowers that are typically white to pale pink. After flowering, seeds are set and dispersed, completing the reproductive stage. During autumn, the plant dies back to the ground, with the root system remaining dormant over winter, ready to restart the cycle in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: For the Japanese umbrella leaf (Syneilesis palmata), the most popular and effective method of propagation is by division, typically carried out in the spring just as the new growth starts to appear. Carefully dig around the plant and lift it out of the ground, making sure to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Gently divide the crown of the plant into sections, each one having at least one growing point or shoot. Replant the divisions promptly in well-prepared soil, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 61 cm), and water them well to help establish the roots. This clump-forming perennial responds well to division every few years, which not only propagates new plants but also invigorates the parent plant.
