Amur Cork Tree
Phellodendron amurense · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Rutaceae (Citrus family)
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Not specified (Species type likely)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7.
About This Tree
A medium-sized tree with a unique broad, spreading canopy that is often wider than it is tall. It features a short trunk with low-branching habits and a distinctively corky, deeply furrowed bark that becomes more pronounced with age.
Leaf Characteristics
Pinnately compound, 10-15 inches long with 5-13 leaflets. Leaflets are ovate to lanceolate, lustrous dark green in summer turning to a yellow or bronze in fall. When crushed, leaves emit a distinct citrus-like or sharp medicinal odor.
Bark Characteristics
Light gray to gray-brown, thick, and spongy or corky to the touch. It develops deep ridges and furrows with age. Beneath the outer gray layer, the inner bark is a striking neon yellow.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Eastern Asia (Northern China, Manchuria, Korea, Japan); widely planted in North America as an ornamental and shade tree.
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring (mid-to-late May); flowers in June; fruits ripen in fall and may persist; enters dormancy in mid-autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires Full Sun for best form; adaptable to various soil types but prefers moist, well-drained soils. Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 30-45 feet in height with a spread of 30-50 feet. It has a moderate growth rate and can live for over 100 years.
Special Characteristics
Highly resistant to most pests and diseases. Features highly ornamental corky bark. In some regions of the Eastern United States, it is considered invasive because the female trees produce large amounts of seeds that are spread by birds.
Wildlife & Ecology
The small yellow-green flowers are a source of nectar for pollinators, and the black, berry-like drupes provide food for birds in late fall and winter. The tree’s broad structure provides excellent nesting sites for larger birds.