Amur Corktree – Phellodendron amurense
Found in these areas: Shade Tree Road Area
Amur Cork Tree, a native of eastern Asia, was introduced into the eastern U.S. in the mid-1800’s. Since then It has been widely planted as an ornamental and street tree. Over time it has become naturalized, spreading into forests where it can outcompete native deciduous species such as oaks and hickories.
Amur Cork Tree is dioecious – individuals have either male or female flowers. Small yellow/green flowers appear in late spring and develop into abundant small black fruits (drupes) with large numbers of seeds that are dispersed by birds. In China, Japan, and India, the bark has been used for medicinal purposes. The yellow inner bark is used as a dye. “Wood turners” use the lightweight, yellow-colored wood to make decorative vases and pots. Since the wood is rot resistant, it has also been used for railings and erosion control structures.
Its common and scientific names refer to the thick, deeply fissured, corky bark. It grows to heights of 30 to 50 ft, with massive, widely spreading branches, and it has opposite, pinnately compound, dark green leaves with 5 to 13 leaflets.