Phellodendron amurense sachalinense

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

Phellodendron amurense sachalinense is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. The seeds ripen from September to October. 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 and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 12

Where it is found

Woods in mountains.

E. Asia - Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

A yellow dye is obtained from the unthickened bark. The bark is a cork substitute. It is used to make buoys, floats etc. The bark of this tree is not corky. Wood - heavy, hard, strong, close grained. Used for furniture, the interior finish of buildings, utensils etc. An oil obtained from the seed has insecticidal properties similar to pyrethrum. (This use is for the closely related P. amurense. It might also apply to this tree.)

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.

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

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Prefers a moisture retentive well-drained deep rich loam 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 very hardy, but the young growth is liable to damage from late spring frosts. This species is closely related to P. amurense, differing in its non-corky bark. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

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: 3-7

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 sachalinense. Fr.Schmidt.