The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Shademaster® Amur corktree

Family: Rutaceae (rue family)

Distribution: Species native to n.e. Asia

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: A deciduous shade tree growing 30-50' tall and wide. This strong-growing selection was introduced by Princeton Nursery of Princeton, New Jersey. It is touted for its good structure, adaptability to tough urban conditions and sterile, male flowers. Flowers are yellow-green and tiny, in terminal panicles (May). Foliage is pinnately compound, up to 15" long. Fall color is yellow at best. Gray to brown bark on mature plants takes on a coarsely ridged texture, hence its common name, cork-tree. A sturdy, pest-free tree whose male stature precludes the possibility of weediness.