Amur corktree
Quick facts
Amur corktree is an invasive species.
- Amur corktree prefers rich soils and full sun.
- Only female plants produce seeds that can spread Amur corktree in a native ecosystem.
- Amur corktree is not yet on any Minnesota invasive species list. It is listed in several other states and is one to look out for.
How to identify amur corktree
- 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.
Reviewed in 2019
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