Amur corktree
Phellodendron amurense
Amur corktree (Phellodendron amurense) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 30–45 ft tall and 30–45 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun.
medium water30–45 ft tall and 30–45 ft wideDeer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: Bruce Marlin
- Photo 2: "Phellodendron amurense JPG1b" by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT is licensed under CC BY 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.
- Photo 3: "Phellodendron amurense JPG1a" by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 4: "Phellodendron amurense (15)" by Marija Gajić is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
- Photo 5: "Phellodendron amurense Amurinkorkkipuu VI08 H5609" by Anneli Salo is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 6: (c) Taro Ietaka, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–7
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 30–45 ft tall and 30–45 ft wide
- Mature form
- Spreading
- Spacing / clearance
- ~45 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Insects & DiseasesPest and disease pressure is the main knock here, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Amur corktree good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Amur corktree is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is Amur corktree only conditionally recommended on the Front Range?
- The main catches here: Pest and disease pressure is the main knock here, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site.
- How big does Amur corktree get?
- It matures to about 30–45 ft tall and 30–45 ft wide.
- How much room does Amur corktree need?
- Give Amur corktree about 45 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Amur corktree grow into?
- Amur corktree typically grows into a wide, spreading habit, broader than it is tall, give it room and keep it back from buildings. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Amur corktree hardy on the Front Range?
- Amur corktree is hardy in USDA 3–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Amur corktree need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Amur corktree grow?
- Amur corktree is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Amur corktree live?
- Amur corktree has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Amur corktree native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Amur corktree deer-resistant?
- Amur corktree is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
