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Cork tree

The cork tree (), also known as the Amur cork tree, is a tree in the family native to , particularly the regions along the River in northern , Korea, and . It grows to a height of 30–45 feet with a broad, spreading crown and distinctive corky, ridged gray-brown bark that gives the species its common name, derived from the Greek words phellos (cork) and dendron (tree). Introduced to the in 1856, it is valued for its ornamental qualities but has become invasive in parts of the northeastern and midwestern U.S., where it displaces native vegetation. This dioecious species features , pinnately compound leaves consisting of 5–11 elliptical leaflets, each up to 4.5 inches long, which are dark green and lustrous above with a lighter underside; when crushed, they emit a strong turpentine-like . In spring (May–June), it produces small yellowish-green flowers in panicles, with male and flowers on separate trees; female trees yield clusters of pea-sized black drupes in fall that persist into winter and contain multiple seeds. The tree's shallow, wide-spreading supports a medium growth rate, and it exhibits yellow-bronze fall foliage for added landscape interest. Phellodendron amurense thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soils but adapts to , poor soils, , , and urban pollution, making it in USDA zones 3–7. Ecologically, its fruits attract birds, squirrels, and small mammals, aiding via animals and water, though the berries offer low nutritional value compared to . In its native habitat, it occupies forested areas and riverbanks, but in , it forms dense thickets that outcompete trees like oaks and hickories, leading to its classification as a prohibited in and invasive in several other states including . Historically used in for its bark extracts to treat conditions like and as a weight-loss , the cork tree is planted as a or street tree, though experts recommend male cultivars to prevent seed production and reduce invasiveness. It shows resistance to pests and diseases, contributing to its spread in introduced areas.

Taxonomy

Classification

The cork tree () is classified in the family (rue or citrus family), order , class Magnoliopsida, subclass Rosidae, division Magnoliophyta, superdivision Spermatophyta (seed plants), subkingdom Tracheobionta (vascular plants), kingdom Plantae. It belongs to the genus Phellodendron, which comprises several East Asian species known for their corky bark and medicinal properties. No subspecies are widely recognized for P. amurense, though varieties such as P. amurense var. amurense and var. sachalinense have been noted in some classifications, with the latter sometimes treated as a separate species (P. sachalinense). The genus is characterized by dioecious trees with pinnately compound leaves and drupaceous fruits. Phellodendron amurense can hybridize with P. sachalinense, producing cultivars such as 'His Majesty' and 'Macho', which are often male and used in cultivation to limit invasiveness. These hybrids are identified through morphological traits like leaf shape and bark texture. The taxonomy of the genus Phellodendron has been revised based on morphological and molecular data, confirming P. amurense as a distinct native to the River region, with divergence from other congeners estimated in the epoch.

Etymology and names

The scientific name derives from the Greek words phellos (cork) and dendron (tree), referring to the ' distinctive corky bark. The specific epithet amurense indicates its origin along the River in . This binomial was first described by the Franz Josef Ruprecht in 1857, based on collections by Richard Maack from 1855 in the region, published in the Bulletin de la Classe Physico-Mathématique de l'Académie Impériale des Sciences de Saint-Pétersbourg. In English, it is commonly known as Amur cork tree or Amur corktree. Other names include cork tree and cork tree. In , it is known as huáng bò (黄檗), referring to its bark used in . In , it is Ōba or Kibano-ki. Regional variations in Korean include Hwangbyeoknamu.

Description

Morphology

The cork tree (Phellodendron amurense) is a tree with a broad, rounded and horizontal branching. It typically reaches a height of 30–45 feet (9–14 m) and a width of 40–50 feet, featuring a short . The is thick, corky, spongy, and grayish-brown, becoming ridged and furrowed with age, with a bright inner layer that is rot-resistant. The leaves are and pinnately , measuring 10–15 inches (25–40 cm) long, with 5–11 (occasionally up to 13) elliptical to obovate leaflets, each 2.5–4.5 inches (5–10 cm) long. The leaflets are dark green and lustrous on the upper surface, lighter and velvety on the underside, and emit a strong turpentine-like when crushed. In fall, the foliage turns yellow to bronze. This dioecious species produces small, inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers in erect panicles during May–June. Male and female flowers occur on separate trees. Female trees bear clusters of pea-sized drupes that turn from green to black by October, measuring 0.25–0.5 inches (10–15 mm) in diameter; these persist into winter, have an unpleasant odor when crushed, and contain 2–5 seeds each.

Growth habit

Phellodendron amurense exhibits a medium growth rate, with a shallow, wide-spreading that makes it easy to transplant. It develops a low-branching, spreading , tolerating full sun, moist well-drained soils, , poor soils, urban pollution, , and (hardy in USDA zones 3–7).

Reproduction

As a dioecious species, Phellodendron amurense has male and female reproductive structures on separate trees. Reproduction occurs primarily through seeds from female trees, which produce thousands of drupes annually, aiding dispersal by birds, water, and small mammals. The tree can also reproduce vegetatively by sprouting.

Distribution and habitat

Native distribution

The Amur cork tree () is native to , primarily the regions along the Amur River in northern (including ), , and . It occurs in mixed forests, riverbanks, and moist valley bottoms, often in association with other deciduous trees in temperate climates. In its native range, it grows in areas with continental conditions featuring cold winters and warm summers, typically at elevations from to about 1,000 m. The reflects post-glacial expansion from refugia in eastern Asia, with concentrated in Chinese populations.

Introduced ranges

Phellodendron amurense was introduced to the in 1856 as an ornamental tree and has since escaped cultivation to become invasive in parts of the northeastern and midwestern regions, including , , , , , , and . It forms dense thickets in urban forests, woodland edges, roadsides, and floodplains, displacing native species like oaks and maples. Smaller introductions have occurred in parts of and , but it is not widely naturalized outside . As of 2025, it is listed as a or prohibited in several U.S. states due to its rapid spread via bird-dispersed seeds.

Environmental requirements

The Amur cork tree thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, particularly in its early growth stages. It prefers moist, well-drained soils along rivers and in bottomlands but adapts to a wide range of conditions, including , poor fertility, urban , and from acidic to alkaline (4.5–8.0). It grows best in loamy or clay soils with annual of 800–1,200 mm but can survive with as little as 500 mm once established. Hardy in USDA zones 3–7, it withstands temperatures from -40°C to 35°C, making it suitable for temperate regions with winters. Its shallow, spreading aid establishment in disturbed sites but contribute to its invasiveness.

Ecology

Interactions with other organisms

The Amur cork tree (Phellodendron amurense) interacts with primarily through its fruits, which are consumed by birds such as and mammals like squirrels, facilitating via ingestion and excretion, as well as by water along riverbanks in its native range. These drupes contain multiple and offer low nutritional value compared to native fruits, yet their persistence into winter supports animal foraging. In introduced ranges, this dispersal mechanism contributes to invasiveness, with birds aiding spread into woodlands. The species forms symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, which colonize to enhance nutrient uptake, particularly , in nutrient-poor soils of its native East Asian forests. These mutualistic relationships improve growth and . is anemophilous, with wind transferring from male to female panicles in spring; fertilization occurs later, leading to fruit set without significant dependence. In native habitats along the Amur River, P. amurense occupies moist, forested riverbanks and mixed woodlands, co-occurring with species that tolerate similar conditions. As an invasive in , it exhibits , releasing chemicals from roots and bark that inhibit native plant germination and growth, forming dense monocultures that reduce and outcompete trees like oaks.

Response to fire

The Amur cork tree shows moderate tolerance to fire, with light fires or disturbances promoting seed germination by scarifying the seed coat and improving conditions through reduced competition. In its native temperate forests, fire is infrequent, but prescribed burns in introduced areas can control seedlings and saplings, though mature trees with thick corky bark may survive low-intensity fires due to insulation. Its shallow, wide-spreading makes established trees somewhat vulnerable to high-intensity fires, which can damage roots and lead to mortality, particularly in dry conditions. Post-fire, resprouting from roots or stumps is possible but less vigorous than in fire-adapted , with recovery depending on and competition. In invasive contexts, fire management is used to limit spread, as the species regenerates from seeds in disturbed sites. Overall, P. amurense is not a but benefits from occasional disturbances in mixed forests.

Threats from pests and diseases

Phellodendron amurense exhibits strong resistance to most pests and diseases, contributing to its success as an invasive species in North America with no serious insect or pathogen issues reported in introduced ranges. Minor threats include the rust fungus Coleosporium phellodendri, which causes small yellowish spots on leaves in early summer, potentially reducing photosynthesis but rarely leading to significant decline. In its native , habitat fragmentation and overharvesting pose greater threats than biotic agents, though occasional defoliators or borers may affect stressed trees. Climate change could increase vulnerability by exacerbating drought stress, but as of 2025, no major epidemics have been documented. This pest resistance, combined with tolerance to urban pollution and poor soils, facilitates its displacement of native .

Cultivation and management

Propagation methods

Phellodendron amurense is primarily propagated by seed, which germinates readily. Seeds should be sown in containers outdoors in autumn or in a after a period of cold stratification for 2 months if sown in late winter. rates are good under these conditions. Vegetative propagation can be achieved through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in July or August, using 7-10 cm lengths with a , placed in a frame, yielding fair to good rooting success. Root cuttings, 4 cm in length, collected in December and stored in leafmold before potting in a warm , also provide good results. These methods help preserve desirable traits such as form in male cultivars. In cultivation, seedlings require well-drained, deep, rich and full sun, with protection from frosts for young . The species is in USDA zones 3-8. Due to its invasive potential in some regions, should prioritize male clones like 'Macho' or 'Shademaster' to prevent seed production.

Harvesting practices

Harvesting of from occurs from trees at least 10 years old, typically in winter or , when the bark is stripped and dried for medicinal use in . The inner is processed to extract and other compounds used for and purposes. Care must be taken to avoid damaging the to ensure tree health and regeneration. Fruits can be harvested in late September through October using pruning shears after leaf fall, air-dried in shallow layers for seed extraction by soaking or . This yields approximately 0.9 kg of cleaned per 57 kg of fresh fruit, primarily for rather than commercial purposes. In native ranges, overharvesting for medicinal has contributed to population declines, emphasizing sustainable practices such as selective harvesting from cultivated trees.

Economic aspects

Phellodendron amurense holds economic value primarily as an ornamental tree in , valued for its shade, urban tolerance, and distinctive . It is planted in parks, streetscapes, and large lots, with male cultivars preferred to mitigate invasiveness. As of 2025, nursery trade continues despite restrictions in invasive-prone areas like the northeastern U.S. Medicinal uses drive additional economic interest, with harvested for extracts like Nexrutine, used in supplements for inflammation and health. In China, wild populations have declined due to overharvesting for traditional remedies, prompting for sustainable supply. The global herbal market for Phellodendron-derived products contributes modestly, estimated in the millions annually, though exact figures vary. The wood is strong and rot-resistant, suitable for furniture, but commercial timber use is limited. In introduced ranges, management costs for invasive control, including treatments and mechanical removal, impose economic burdens on land managers, outweighing benefits in affected ecosystems.

Uses

Medicinal uses

The of Phellodendron amurense has been used in for centuries, primarily due to its content of , an with and properties. It is employed to treat conditions such as acute , , , peptic ulcers, vaginal and urinary tract infections, and . Extracts are also used for support, , and promoting gut health by balancing microbial activity. In modern research, from the shows potential for reducing , managing blood sugar levels, and exhibiting antitumor effects, though clinical evidence remains limited. As of 2024, supplements containing Phellodendron bark are available for these purposes, but consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended due to potential interactions and side effects like gastrointestinal upset.

Ornamental and landscape uses

Phellodendron amurense is planted as an ornamental tree for its attractive corky bark, broad spreading crown, and yellow-bronze fall foliage, providing shade in parks, large landscapes, and urban areas. Introduced to in 1856, it was favored for its tolerance to drought, poor soils, pollution, and a wide temperature range (USDA zones 3–7). However, due to its invasive potential in the northeastern and midwestern U.S., where it forms dense thickets and displaces native species, experts now recommend against planting it and suggest using male cultivars to avoid seed production from female trees.

Other applications

The lightweight, yellow wood of Phellodendron amurense is used by wood turners to create decorative items such as vases and pots, owing to its workability and rot resistance, which also makes it suitable for railings and small structures. The bright inner has historically been utilized to produce dyes for and . Seed oil may have minor industrial applications, but this is not widely documented. Due to its invasiveness, harvesting for these purposes is discouraged in non-native regions to prevent spread.

Conservation

Status and threats

Phellodendron amurense is not globally assessed on the but is classified as a second-class national key protected wild in , reflecting its endangered status due to declining wild populations. In its native range across northern , , and parts of and , the species faces threats from overexploitation for its bark, which is harvested for used in , leading to and population fragmentation. Habitat loss from , urbanization, and agricultural expansion further reduces suitable forested and riverine areas, with studies indicating low in remaining populations that increases vulnerability. models predict potential habitat contraction in parts of by 2050 under moderate emissions scenarios, exacerbating these pressures. In introduced ranges, particularly the northeastern and midwestern United States, P. amurense is considered invasive, forming dense monocultures that outcompete native trees like oaks and maples, alter soil chemistry through , and reduce in woodlands and floodplains. As of 2025, it is listed as prohibited in states such as and regulated in and , where it poses ecological threats but is not a conservation concern for the species itself.

Protection measures

In , national legislation under the Wild Plants Protection Regulations prohibits unauthorized collection, trade, and export of P. amurense, with enforcement through forest authorities and penalties for violations to curb illegal harvesting. Conservation efforts include in-situ protection within nature reserves, such as Yunmengshan National Forest Park, where population monitoring and planting aim to maintain viable stands. Ex-situ strategies involve in botanical gardens and breeding programs by institutions like the Chinese Academy of Forestry, focusing on tetraploid varieties for higher yields to reduce pressure on wild populations. assessments using SSR markers guide priority area selection for reserves, with recommendations for expanded protected zones amid . Internationally, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species () does not list P. amurense, but bilateral agreements support sustainable use. In , management focuses on containment rather than species ; state programs promote early detection and rapid response, including mechanical removal and application in infested areas, while encouraging the use of sterile cultivars in to prevent . Community education by organizations like the Invasive Plant Atlas targets awareness to limit further spread.

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