Description
Phellodendron – Cork Tree –
There are about 10 deciduous, dioecious trees in the Rutaceae family, in this genus. They occur in moist stream margins in Eastern and Northeastern Asia. They produce opposite, pinnate, dull yellowish green to dark green leaves. In late spring and early summer it bears small, cup shaped green male and female flowers held in clusters on separate plants. Plants of both sexes must be grown together to produce the dark blue-black, spherical, aromatic fruits, ½” across. Grown for their habit, deeply furrowed, thick, corky bark and aromatic foliage, usually developing a rich shade of yellow in autumn, cork trees are best used as specimen trees in a garden that is large enough to accommodate their spreading habit.
Grow in deep, fertile, well drained soil in full sun with some protection from wind.
P. chinense – Chinese Cork Tree – This spreading tree from Central China grows to 30′ feet tall and 40′ feet wide. It has thin, dark gray brown bark and from thick shoots it carries pinnate leaves, to 16″ long, with up to 13 oblong to lance shaped, leaflets, yellow green above, light green and downy beneath, turning yellow in autumn.
Zones 5-8
