Phellodendron amurense

The Phellodendron amurense, or cork tree, is a species of tree native to northeastern Asia, primarily known for its thick and deeply marked cork bark. Its moderate size, spread-out silhouette, and moderately dense crown make it a very interesting choice for shading a large terrace or dominating a large lawn. In late summer, its broad compound leaves, similar to those of the ash tree, turn golden yellow, providing a bright and contrasting backdrop for its clusters of blue-black berries. Only the female trees produce fruits. Additionally, it is a tree that, in summer, is adorned with countless insignificant but highly melliferous small flowers, delighting bees. Very hardy and tolerant of full sun and summer drought, this tree appreciates rich, well-drained, moist to wet, neutral to limestone soils.

The Phellodendron amurense, also known as the cork tree, is a small tree or large bush native to northeastern Asia, particularly the banks of the Amur River, from which it takes its name. It belongs to the Rutaceae family, which includes shrubby or arborescent species that produce highly aromatic essential oils, such as citrus trees. In the cork tree, these oils are concentrated in the seeds, which can be used to produce an insect repellent substance similar to pyrethrum. In China, its bark is also cultivated for its medicinal properties.

The Phellodendron amurense is a small tree or large bush with a wide and spread-out habit. Its wide and short trunk divides into several large main branches and numerous secondary branches, arranged in a fan shape wider than it is tall. It grows rapidly, especially in cool and fertile soil, reaching a height of 12m (39ft) and a width of 15m (49ft) at maturity. Its ornamental cork bark is initially deeply undulated, yellow-brown, and then becomes very corky, striated, furrowed, and gray-brown when mature. The young shoots unfold into leaves that can reach a length of 40cm (16in), divided into 7 to 11 elliptical, pointed leaflets, arranged in pairs and dark green in colour. The leaves then turn golden yellow in autumn and fall relatively early in the season. When crushed, they emit an aromatic scent. The flowering occurs in May-June in the form of clusters of small yellow-green, insignificant flowers, which are followed by drupes initially light green and then blue-black, about 1cm (1in) in diameter, persisting on the tree until winter! These fruits, very sweet, are highly appreciated by wildlife, especially birds. This tree adapts to all rich and well-drained soils, even limestone and even wet! It is hardy throughout France and can withstand strongly exposed sunny locations and temporary droughts. The cork tree is a dioecious species, meaning that male and female flowers are present on separate individuals.

The Phellodendron amurense is a very beautiful tree, whose exotic appearance will be highlighted when planted alone in front of the house in a medium to large garden. Its small size, fan-shaped habit, and semi-open crown make it an excellent shade tree by a large terrace. It will express all its uniqueness as a shade tree or specimen.

Did you know:

The Phellodendron amurense can inhibit the growth and development of neighboring plants. Female trees bear fruits that contain many highly fertile seeds, which can remain dormant for several years before germinating and can be easily dispersed by birds. This tree also produces many suckers that need to be carefully removed every year. It is therefore a potentially invasive species, whose development and multiplication must be strictly controlled.