Serving the Kansas City Metro for over 25 Years
Public Plant Profile

Cork Tree

Phellodendron amurense

Category: Deciduous Tree • Cork Tree

Discover the Amur cork tree, a unique specimen with medicinal uses and attractive corky bark.

Mature Height: 30-50 feet
Mature Width: 40-60 feet
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Spring
Light: Sun
Zone: Zones 4-8
Maintenance: Low
Growth Rate: Moderate
Season of Interest: Multi-season
Foliage: Deciduous
Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

The Cork Tree is a medium to large deciduous tree known for its distinctive cork-like bark and attractive foliage. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers and is often used for its ornamental value.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is tolerant of various moisture levels.

Soil Preferences

Well-drained soil is ideal, adaptable to different pH levels, and can handle varying moisture conditions.

Sun Needs

Sun

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

specimenshade tree

Special Features

Unique corky barkmedicinal properties

Wildlife Value

Provides habitat and food for birds and insects.

Resistance / Tolerance

Drought tolerant once established.

Notes from Our Designer

Consider for urban settings due to its shade and ornamental value. Suitable for larger spaces.

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Use this page to get a feel for where Cork Tree may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

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“We did a complete overhaul of our landscaping after moving into our new home. We removed bushes, a tree, several plants and built 2 retaining walls. Bold Outdoors spent a lot of time talking with us about what we wanted…”

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Is Cork Tree a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

Ready to plan your landscape?

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