Plant care guide
Umbrella Tree vs Dwarf Schefflera: How to Identify Each
Updated
How do you identify a Schefflera?
Two different plants are sold as schefflera. The umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla) has large, drooping leaflets, often 5 to 18 per leaf; the dwarf umbrella tree (Schefflera arboricola) has smaller, rounded-tipped leaflets, usually 7 to 9. The ASPCA lists both umbrella tree and schefflera as toxic to dogs and cats.
What to do first
Count the leaflets on a mature leaf and measure one. Large, long-stalked, wavy leaflets point to umbrella tree; small, glossy, rounded leaflets in a tight wheel point to dwarf schefflera. Keep either away from pets that chew plants.
“Schefflera” and “umbrella plant” are used for two different species. Both have compound leaves with leaflets radiating from a single point like the ribs of an umbrella. They differ in size, leaflet count and how they behave outdoors. Knowing which one you have helps with light, pruning and space.
NC State Extension now lists both under the genus Heptapleurum. You will still see the older names on plant tags: Schefflera actinophylla (also Brassaia actinophylla) for the umbrella tree, and Schefflera arboricola for the dwarf umbrella tree.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Umbrella tree (S. actinophylla) | Dwarf umbrella tree (S. arboricola) |
|---|---|---|
| Leaflets per leaf | 5 to 18 | 7 to 9 |
| Leaflet size | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) long outdoors; 10–15 cm (4–6 in) indoors | 5–11.5 cm (2–4.5 in) long |
| Leaflet shape | Oblong to elliptical, wavy, on conspicuous long stalks; paler underneath | Obovate (wider near the tip), with a rounded tip and smooth edges |
| Surface | Glossy, leathery | Glossy, bright green |
| Native range | Southern New Guinea to northern Australia | Taiwan and Hainan |
| Size outdoors | Tree up to 12 m (40 ft) | Shrub; NC State gives 3–7.6 m (10–25 ft) |
| Size in a container indoors | 1.2–1.8 m (4–6 ft) tall | 1.2–1.8 m (4–6 ft) tall and wide |
| Flowers | Red to pinkish-red flowers on long arms held above the leaves, like octopus tentacles; rare indoors | Tiny red flowers in branched clusters; indoor plants typically do not flower |
| Common cultivars | ’Amate’, ‘Variegata' | 'Trinette’, ‘Gold Capella’, ‘Dazzle’, ‘Compacta’ |
All details from NC State Extension, except where noted.
The quickest field check: count leaflets on a mature leaf and look at a single leaflet. A hand-length, wavy leaflet on a long stalk is umbrella tree. A small, rounded, glossy leaflet in a neat wheel of seven to nine is dwarf schefflera.
Variegated plants
Variegated dwarf scheffleras are common. NC State describes ‘Gold Capella’ as yellow or gold and green, ‘Trinette’ as cream and green, and ‘Dazzle’ as variegated with some leaves almost completely creamy white. Variegation does not change the leaflet count or shape, so use those to identify the species.
Toxicity to pets
The ASPCA lists both as toxic to dogs and cats.
- Umbrella tree (Brassaia actinophylla): the ASPCA names terpenoids, saponins and insoluble oxalates. It notes the most common effects are mild vomiting and diarrhea.
- Schefflera: the ASPCA names calcium oxalate crystals, with oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, lips and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
NC State adds that sap from both species can irritate skin, and suggests gloves when pruning. Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control line if a pet chews either plant.
Light differs a little
The University of Illinois Extension places schefflera, Hawaiian schefflera and umbrella tree in its medium-light group.
- Umbrella tree: NC State recommends a bright, sunny spot with protection from hot afternoon sun.
- Dwarf umbrella tree: NC State suggests a south, west or east exposure with filtered light, such as through a sheer curtain, for 3 to 4 hours a day. It warns that bright direct light indoors will burn the leaves.
Outdoors in warm climates
This matters if you live where either can grow outside. The University of Florida IFAS assessment lists S. actinophylla as “Invasive (No Uses)” in central and south Florida, and not a problem species in north Florida. A UF/IFAS Extension article recommends dwarf schefflera for landscapes instead, noting it is seldom bigger than about 3 m (10 ft) tall there.
For more on caring for your plant, see the schefflera hub.
Related guides
Other schefflera problems we cover: leaf drop, pests, scale.
References
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Heptapleurum actinophyllum
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Heptapleurum arboricola
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Umbrella Tree
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Schefflera
- University of Florida IFAS: Assessment of Non-Native Plants, Heptapleurum actinophyllum
- UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County: The Right Schefflera (2025)
- University of Illinois Extension: Houseplants, Lighting
How this guide was put together: Identification from NC State Extension and University of Florida IFAS Extension; pet toxicity from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.