Amur Cork Tree
phellodendron amurense
Also known as: ["Amur Corktree","Corktree"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to Northeast Asia, known for its cork-like bark and yellow flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Genus: | Phellodendron |
| Botanical Name: | Phellodendron amurense |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, adaptable to various landscapes
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–40–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor air is very dry
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate slightly sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed for rejuvenation.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or dappled sunlight daily, adaptable to partial shade in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight, protect from harsh afternoon sun, adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; monitor for leaf scorch.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend heavy clay with organic matter; test pH if growth issues arise.
Temperature
Hardy to USDA zones 3–8; tolerates cold winters down to -30°F (-34°C), prefers moderate temperatures in summer (60–75°F / 15–24°C).
Protect from late spring frosts; water early to avoid heat stress; adjust care based on seasonal temperature shifts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize in spring before new growth; use a balanced NPK ratio; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture and warmth.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment in new pot can take an additional 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading cuts to control size, selective removal of crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, encourage airflow, and manage size.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape the plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in new pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, allow to drain.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for young plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil mix, inspect roots, prune if needed, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure even saturation, allow excess water to drain, water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility, incorporate perlite or sand for drainage, use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat, leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold stress, stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown, branches can die back, but the plant is generally cold-hardy and can recover with proper care.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter, protect from harsh winds, avoid overwatering to prevent frozen root damage.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop, growth may slow, especially in combination with drought stress.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering frequency, use mulch to retain soil moisture, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, dilute correctly, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if applied monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they ingest the berries or seeds of Phellodendron amurense. The toxicity is generally low, but caution is advised due to the potential for more severe reactions in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Phellodendron amurense berries and seeds can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The alkaloids present may cause discomfort but are not typically life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicPhellodendron amurense, commonly known as Amur Cork Tree, contains alkaloids and other compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The berries and seeds are the primary toxic parts, though the effects are generally not severe.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Phellodendron amurense suitable for urban environments?
A: Yes, it is highly tolerant of urban pollution and can thrive in city landscapes.
Q: Does the Amur Cork Tree have any medicinal uses?
A: The bark has been used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Q: How fast does Phellodendron amurense grow?
A: It is a moderately fast-growing tree, typically gaining about 1-2 feet per year in ideal conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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