Amur Cork Tree

Ten species of deciduous trees belong to this genus, which is E Asian in distribution. They resemble Ailanthus species (See, Tree of Heaven) in appearance, with a graceful, spreading habit. Phellodendron amurense is grown as an ornamental for its attractive bark and aromatic leaves, which turn yellow in autumn. It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Phellodendron chinense, a smaller tree from C China, is used for similar purposes. Both contain alkaloids, such as berberine, (as found in Berberis vulgaris, See, Barberry), sesquiterpene lactones, and plant sterols. Phellodendron is from the Greek phellos, "cork" and dendron, "tree", an allusion to the bark of these trees.

Spreading deciduous tree with thick, corky, pale gray-brown bark, and glossy, dark green, pinnate leaves to 35cm (14in) long, divided into 9-13 ovate leaflets, 5-10cm (2-4in) long. Small yellow-green flowers are produced in downy panicles to 8cm (3in) long in early summer, males and females on separate plants, followed on females by black fruits, 1cm (3/8in) across, with a turpentine aroma.

Common Name:	Amur Cork Tree
Botanical Name:	Phellodendron amurense
Genus:	Phellodendron
Family Name:	Rutaceae
Native Location:	NE Asia
Cultivation:	Rich, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in sun. Young growth may be damaged by late frosts in cold areas.
Propagation:	By seed sown in autumn; by heeled semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Harvest:	Bark is stripped in winter and dried for use in decoctions.
Height:	12-15m (40-50ft)
Width:	15m (50ft)
Hardiness:	Z3-9
Parts Used:	Bark (huang bai)
Properties:	A bitter, diuretic, cooling herb that stimulates the liver and gall bladder, lowers fever, reduces blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and is strongly anti-bacterial. It acts mainly on the kidneys and is traditionally regarded as a detoxicant for hot, damp condition.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, meningitis, acute urinary tract infections, enteritis, boils, abscesses, night sweats, conjuctivitis, and skin diseases. An ingredient of the Chinese drug san huang zhe she ye ("injection of three yellow herbs"), the others being Coptis chinensis (See, Mishmi Bitter) and Scutellaria baicalensis (See, Bakail Skullcap). The drug is given intramuscularly for upper respiratory tract infections.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs ~ Deni Bown ~ Copyright © 1995, 2001, Doring Kindersley Limited ~ pg. 311