Amur Corktree (Phellodendron amurense)
Identifying Features
Plant Family: Rutaceae
Native Range: Northeastern Asia
Leaf: deciduous, opposite, pinnately compound, 10-15 inches long, 5-11 leaflets
Twig and Bud: twig stout with “U” shape leaf scars, buds sit inside the leaf scar
Flower, Fruit and Seed: male and female flowers on separate plants, flowers yellowish-green in clusters, flowers late spring, fruits in clusters, pea size, turn from green to black, five seeds in each fruit
Bark: mature bark is unique, ridged and furrowed, corky texture
Shape and Mature Height: short trunk, broad, spreading tree, rounded crown often with horizontal branches, 30-45 feet
Garden Value and Considerations
Grows best in full sun with moist, well-drained, alkaline soils. Amur corktrees are very aggressive. Reduce their spread by planting only male cultivars. These trees are most appreciated for their growth habit and interesting bark.