Phellodendron amurense (Amur Corktree)


Michael's Opinion

Needs to be in full sun which is why it is a great shade tree that thrives on large properties and parks, but can be somewhat invasive. It can grow in many different conditions from poor soils to pollution and drought.

Botanical Information

FamilyRutaceae
GenusPhellodendron
Speciesamurense
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginNative to eastern Asia (China and Japan).
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone3b-7a
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone1a - 6b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-37 - (-12)
Temperature (°F)-35 - 10
Height15 m
Spread15 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionMedium sized tree, great for shade, it is hardy and easily grown. Commonly seen growing in moist areas near streams.
ID CharacteristicMedium deciduous tree with green/black berry like fruit. The tree turns yellow in the autumn.
ShapeBroadly spread and round.
LandscapeGood shade tree, great in parks and on large properties.
PropagationLike beans, corktree seeds germinate without any treatment. It is recomended to stratify the seeds first for 8 weeks. Stratified seeds have a higher percentage of germination.
CultivationDoes well on many types of soil, easily transplanted, and can withstand acid and alkaline soil conditions.
PestsUsually free of pests and diseases.
Notable SpecimensWeldon Library, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England.
HabitatUsually in moist areas, near streams.
Bark/Stem DescriptionGrey-brown colour , thick corky bark with prominent ridges.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description30 mm long with silky bronze or red hairs, compressed from the sides.
Leaf DescriptionGreen glossy pinnate leaves, up to 40 cm long, 5-11 ovate leaflets, 10 cm long.
Flower DescriptionUpright panicles of green-yellow flowers, 8-10 cm long, male flowers have yellow projecting anthers.
Fruit DescriptionSmall 1 cm wide, berry like, green colour but when ripens turns black.
Colour DescriptionGrey- brown bark, small green flowers, deep green leaves.
Texture DescriptionSmooth leaves, uneven corky bark.

Photographs