Amur velvet, or Amur cork tree (lat. Phellodendron amurense)
Dioecious deciduous tree, reaching 25-28 m in height and up to 80-100 cm in trunk diameter. Amur velvet belongs to the Rutaceae family.
Growing in the forest, the crown of the tree is raised high, and when planted individually, it forms a low-set tent. The shape of the leaves is similar to the leaves of ash, but narrower and with a characteristic odor. The first leaves appear towards the end of May, and autumn leaves turn a beautiful copper shade.
Amur velvet begins to bloom quite late, so the first flowers can be seen 20 years after planting. The growing season begins at the end of June and lasts for 10 days. The flowers are very small and are grouped in small panicles-like clusters.
The fruits of Amur velvet ripen in early autumn. These are small black drupes with a pungent, not very pleasant odor. The fruits are inedible.
Requires rich, well-permeable soils. Does not tolerate stagnant moisture. Quite wind resistant. Relatively resistant to smoke, gases and aerosols, tolerates urban environments. Tolerates alkalization of the soil, heat, and dry air. In the north it suffers somewhat from frost, and in the south from drought. Resistant to pests and diseases.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 (-40°C to -34°C).
Used in single and group plantings, it is an excellent tapeworm, which can well be used as a family tree.