Phellodendron amurense is a relatively tough, functional, low maintenance tree characterized by corky bark and interesting form. A male cultivar of the Amur Corktree is preferable in some situations as the fruit litter may be a nuisance.

-deciduous tree

-broad spreading vase

-30-45' tall with equal spread

-open rounded crown delineated by a few large branches

-irregular when young, symmetrical at maturity

-moderate to rapid growth rate

-long-lived

-opposite

-odd pinnately compound

-10-15" long

-5-11 leaflets

-each leaflet ovate, becoming narrow at the tip

-entire margins

-transparently dotted (like chlorotic spots)

-autumn color is yellow

-bark gray

-deeply fissured, ridged, becoming corklike

-showy

Culture

-tolerates many types of soils, including compacted ones, but is not as urban tolerant as previously thought; especially with restricted root spaces

-tolerates drought

-pest- and disease-free

-relatively easily transplanted

Hardiness

-zones 4 to 7

Origin

-native to China, Japan

Assets

-good winter character (bark & form)

-pest-free

-tolerates adverse conditions except limited root space

-attracts wildlife (birds feeding on fruit)

Liabilities

-shallow root system

-fruits on female plants may be messy

-may seed itself into the landscape

Function

-shade tree for large areas, parks, golf courses

-has been used as a street tree

-need space for broad spread

Texture

-medium texture in foliage and coarse when bare

-moderate density

Varieties and Cultivars - Search OSU PlantFacts for additional plants in this species

Alternates

-other trees with showy bark (e.g., Ulmus parvifolia)

-vased-shaped trees (e.g., Zelkova serrata)