Phellodendron chinense aka Chinese Corktree

Phellodendron chinense, or Chinese corktree, is a deciduous tree from China. It belongs to the rue family, Rutaceae. Kew places its native range in southern China. It grows in a temperate climate. Garden trees reach 20–30 feet (6.1–9.1 metres) in height and spread. Their growth rate is moderate. This tree may be hard to find in American nurseries.

The leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stems. Each compound leaf has seven to thirteen leaflets. Their dark green colour has a yellow cast. Leaflet shapes range from broad ovals to narrow, lance-shaped forms. Their bases taper and can be uneven on either side. Their tips end in a sharp point. The leaves lack hairs and have a scent. The stems have no scent. The tree sheds its leaves each year.

Green flowers form in branched clusters called panicles during June. Each tree bears either male or female flowers. Both sexes must grow together for seed production. The fruit is black. Its leaf scent suits gardens that feature scented plants. PFAF also lists it for the canopy of a woodland garden. Allow space for its mature width as well as its height.

Grow Chinese corktree in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It favours deep, rich loam that holds moisture without staying waterlogged. Neutral to alkaline soil suits it best. It can also grow in shallow, chalky ground. Long, hot summers help it grow well. Rich soil is important for strong growth. NC State lists USDA hardiness zones 4–8. Dormant trees can withstand at least −20°C. Late spring frost can still harm new shoots.

Seed is best sown in autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed needs two months of cold treatment before sowing. Keep young seedlings in a cold frame through their first winter. Plant them out after the last expected frost. Half-ripe cuttings offer another means of propagation in July or August. Chinese medicine includes this species among its fifty core herbs. This traditional role does not make it a food plant. PFAF records no known edible uses and gives edibility zero out of five. It lists no known hazards, but this does not prove safety. PFAF does not flag the tree as weedy.