Invasive Species: Phellodendron amurense, Amur Corktree
Amur corktree is an invasive perennial tree that can grow from 35 to 45 ft. (10 to 14 m) tall. The tree has a short trunk with spreading branches. The bark is thick and corky. Leaves are opposite, compound (divided into 5 to 11 leaflets), and 10 to 15 in. (25 to 38 cm) long. Leaflets are elliptical, acute at the apex, 2.5 to 4.5 in. (6 to 11 cm) long, and smell like turpentine when crushed. Flowering occurs in late spring, when bunches of small green flowers develop. Fruits are drupes, 0.25 to 0.5 in. (0.6 to 1.3 cm) in diameter and bright green (black when mature). Amur corktree is native to eastern Asia and was introduced into the United States in 1856. Trees prefer full sun and rich soils.
What are invasive species and why should we be concerned about them?
Taxonomy: Scientific and Common Names for This Species
Sapindales > Rutaceae > Phellodendron amurense Rupr.
Synonym(s): none
Phellodendron amurense – USDA PLANTS Profile
Distribution Maps
Amur corktree – The reported distribution of this invasive species across the United States. (Source: Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States)
Up-to-the-minute distribution maps and why they are important
Reporting This Invasive Species
What is the best way and place to report the occurrence of an invasive species?
How to report an invasive species sighting to EDDMapS – Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System
EDDMapS – Report an invasive species to EDDMapS
Cooperative Extension Offices – Find your local Cooperative Extension office on this map provided by USDA
How to Identify
This invasive species can be identified by looking for the characteristics described in the paragraphs that follow.
Tree
An invasive perennial tree that can grow from 35 to 45 ft. (10 to 14 m) tall. The tree has a short trunk with spreading branches. The bark is thick and corky.
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| Patrick Breen, Oregon State University, bugwood.org | Chris Evans, River to River CWMA, bugwood.org |
Foliage
Leaves are opposite, compound (divided into 5 to 11 leaflets), and 10 to 15 in. (25 to 38 cm) long. Leaflets are elliptical, acute at the apex, 2.5 to 4.5 in. (6 to 11 cm) long, and smell like turpentine when crushed.
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| Richard Webb, Self-employed horticulturist, bugwood.org | Patrick Breen, Oregon State University, bugwood.org |
Flower
Flowering occurs in late spring, when bunches of small green flowers develop.
| bugwood.org | bugwood.org |
Fruit
Fruits are drupes, 0.25 to 0.5 in. (0.6 to 1.3 cm) in diameter and bright green (black when mature).
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| Patrick Breen, Oregon State University, bugwood.org | Patrick Breen, Oregon State University, bugwood.org |
Native Species That Resemble Amur Corktree
– Images at invasive.org
| bugwood.org | bugwood.org |
– Images at invasive.org
| bugwood.org | bugwood.org |
Additional Images for Amur Corktree
Amur corktree – Images at Invasive.org
Learning Resources for Amur Corktree
Fact Sheet – Pennsylvania Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources
Additional Information, Biology, Control and Management Resources
Control and management recommendations vary according to individual circumstances. Location, habitat, weather, and a variety of other conditions are factors that help determine the best treatment choice. To find the safest and most effective treatment for your situation, consult your state’s land-grant institution. If you will use chemicals as part of the control process, always refer to the product label.
United States Land-Grant University System – Find your land-grant university’s College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, or other related partner on this map provided by USDA.
Weed of the Week – USDA Forest Service
Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas – Plant Conservation Alliance
Phellodendron amurense – Missouri Botanical Garden
Fact Sheet – USDA Forest Service