Lavalle corktree
Phellodendron lavallei

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

Phellodendron lavallei is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 10

Where it is found

Woods in mountains.

E. Asia - N. and C. Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit. This use refers to the closely related P. amurense, it almost certainly applies to this tree as well. The fruit is about 1cm in diameter and has a strong scent of turpentine, it is produced copiously in Britain.

Oil: Oil

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The bark is thick and corky. Can this be used as a source of cork? The following uses are for the closely related P. amurense. They almost certainly also apply to this tree. A yellow dye is obtained from the inner bark. An oil obtained from the seed has insecticidal properties similar to pyrethrum. Wood - heavy, hard, strong, close grained. Used for furniture.

Cork: Including any plants used as a cork substitute. Cork is used for insulation (sound or heat), fire-retardant, bottle stops etc.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Insecticide: Kills insects.

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Prefers a moisture retentive well-drained deep rich loam in an open position in full sun. Grows best in areas with long hot summers. Plants are gross feeders and require a rich soil if they are to perform well. Dormant plants are hardy to at least -20°c, but the young growth is liable to damage from late spring frosts. This species is occasionally cultivated for timber in S.E. Europe. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. The fruit is produced copiously on trees in Britain.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 2 months cold stratification, sow in late winter in a cold frame. Germination is usually good. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Pot up in autumn and over winter in a cold frame. Fair to good percentage. Root cuttings - obtain in December and store in leafmold in a warm place for 3 weeks. Cut into 4cm lengths and plant horizontally in pots. Grow on in a warm greenhouse. Good percentage.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. amurense lavallei. (Dode.)Sprague.