Cecropia peltata

FAMILY

Urticaceae

Common name(s)

Trumpet Tree, Snakewood CLASS 1

Distinguishing features

This tree a native of the Central American region has been declared a Class1 and EPA should be notified of any specimens. Plants can be distinguished by the large U-shaped leaf scars on the stems and the alternate, palmately, deeply-lobed leaves. Lower surface of the leaf is densely covered with white hairs. Flowers in clustered spikes to 6 cm long, separate male and female plants. Seeds spread by birds and bats, plants resprout readily after damage, can form dense stands.