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Amur corktree

Quick facts

Amur corktree is an invasive species. 

  • Amur corktree is a specially regulated plant in Minnesota. 
  • Only sales of named male cultivars are permitted. Sales of all other amur corktree (Phellodendron amurense) are prohibited. All existing planted and escaped fruit-producing trees must be controlled by tree removal or other means so no seed is disseminated.
  • Amur corktree should be reported when found in wild areas. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources provides detailed recommendations for reporting invasive species.

How to identify amur corktree

Amur corktree (Phellodendron amurense) is a deciduous small tree, 35–45 feet tall with spreading branches.

Stem

  • Distinctive thick, cork-like bark.
  • Cutting into the bark reveals bright yellow inner bark.

Branches

  • Opposite

Leaves

  • Opposite, compound leaves that are 10 to 15 inches long with 5 to 13 elliptical leaflets that are each 2-1/2 to 4-1/2 inches long.
  • Leaves can smell like turpentine when crushed.
  • Leaves turn yellow in fall.

Flowers

  • Male and female flowers occur on separate plants.
  • Flowers in late spring, with bunches of small, upright, green flower clusters.

Fruit and seeds

  • Abundant fleshy skinned fruit with a large central seed, bright green until black at maturity, 1/4–1/2 inch across.
  • Strongly scented seeds remain on trees into late fall and winter.
Amur corktree bark is thick and cork-like
Amur corktree leaves

Authors: Angela Gupta, Amy Rager and  Megan M. Weber, Extension educators

Reviewed in 2019

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