Is Amur Cork Tree edible?

Yes — Amur Cork Tree (Phellodendron amurense) is catalogued as edible in this database. Always confirm species ID before harvest and source from clean ground.

How should Amur Cork Tree be stored?

Dried Amur Cork Tree keeps 12–18 months in an airtight glass jar away from direct sunlight and moisture. Volatile-oil constituents degrade faster — buy in small quantities and use within 6 months of opening for peak potency. Refrigerate tinctures once opened.

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Amur Cork Tree

Phellodendron amurensefam. Rutaceae

Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →

edibletreesnative asiaedible fruittreeedible

Updated7 July 2026·Quick Q&A →

Phellodendron amurense (Amur Cork Tree) — botanical photograph

Pl. 296E — Phellodendron amurense

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Overview

Amur Cork Tree (Phellodendron amurense) is a deciduous tree native to the forests of northeastern Asia, including regions such as Amur, China North-Central, and Korea. Known for its ornamental value and edible fruit, this tree thrives in moist conditions with light soil types—ranging from sandy to clay—and can tolerate various soil pH levels. It requires full sun exposure and is hardy in zones 3-8. The tree can grow up to 12 meters tall and is valued for its fruit, which makes it a useful addition to gardens and landscapes.

Quick answers

What is Amur Cork Tree?

Amur Cork Tree (Phellodendron amurense) is a deciduous tree native to the forests of northeastern Asia, including regions such as Amur, China North-Central, and Korea.

Full Q&A reference →

Compare with:Bael Tree→Oval Kumquat→Japanese Pepper Tree→all comparisons →

Growingconditions · propagation · uses

Cultivation

Amur Cork Trees thrive in full sun and prefer moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). They are hardy in zones 3-8 and can grow up to 12 meters tall. For propagation, the tree can be grown from seed. Given their native range across temperate regions, these trees are adaptable but perform best under conditions similar to their natural habitat. Regular watering is essential for young plants, while established Amur Cork Trees can tolerate drier conditions.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moist

Soil

Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)

Hardiness

3-8

Habit

Tree

Mature size

12.0 m tall

For first-time growers

How to grow Amur Cork Tree for the first time

8steps

Start with planting an Amur Cork Tree for a low-maintenance, hardy addition to your garden.

1
What you'll need
A young Amur Cork Tree sapling and some basic gardening tools like a spade and watering can.
2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late autumn when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining, with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Amend as needed for better drainage.
4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings directly into the garden bed, ensuring they are planted at the same depth as in their container.
5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Monitor for any signs of stress and adjust watering accordingly.
6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure, water moderately during dry spells, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts. Remove any dead or damaged branches for better health.
8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting proper sunlight, and not providing enough drainage.

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Fruit

Edible uses: Oil

Other uses:CorkDyePest controloilLumberFragrance

Contextrange · companions · related

VII

Distribution

14 native · 14 introduced

Distribution across2 continents· 14 native· 14 introduced

Europe2 regions

introduced (2)BulgariaRomania

Asia6 regions

native (6)ChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanUzbekistanVietnam

Broader regions

native:Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., Primorye, Sakhalin, Amur

introduced:Masachusettes, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Québec, Tadzhikistan, Connecticut

Specimen gallery

1 image

Explore further

Companion planting

Amur Cork Tree companions →

Compare with similar plants

vs Bael Tree vs Oval Kumquat vs Japanese Pepper Tree

Growing zone

USDA zone 3-8

XII

About this entry

Last updated: 7 July 2026
Citation: How to cite this entry · Submit a correction

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Amur Cork Tree

Overview

What is Amur Cork Tree?

Cultivation

How to grow Amur Cork Tree for the first time

What you'll need

Best time to plant

Soil and container prep

Sowing or transplanting

First two weeks

Ongoing care

Harvest or pruning

Common mistakes