Amur Cork Tree, Chinese Corktree

Phellodendron amurense

Physical Characteristics

Phellodendron amurense is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower in June, and 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.

Distribution

E. Asia - N. China and Manchuria.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Edible Uses: Oil Fruit[105, 177]. The fruit is about 1cm in diameter and has a strong scent of turpentine[200].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Bitter Cholagogue Diuretic Dysentery Expectorant Hypoglycaemic Ophthalmic Skin Stomachic Urinary Vasodilator Amur cork tree, called Huang Bai in China, is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs, but one that should be used with care[218, 254]. A strongly bitter remedy, the bark acts strongly on the kidneys and is regarded as a detoxicant for hot damp conditions[238]. Recent research has shown that the plant is useful in the treatment of meningitis and conjunctivitis[254]. Huang Bai should only be used under professional supervision and should not be take during pregnancy[254]. The bark is alterative, antibacterial, antirheumatic, aphrodisiac, bitter stomachic, cholagogue, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic, ophthalmic, skin, vasodilator and tonic[4, 61, 174, 176, 178, 218, 238, 279]. It is taken internally in the treatment of acute diarrhoea, dysentery, jaundice, vaginal infections including Trichomonas, acute urinary tract infections, enteritis, boils, abscesses, night sweats and skin diseases[238, 254]. It is commonly used in conjunction with Scutellaria baicalensis and Coptis chinensis in a preparation called 'injection of three yellow herbs'[238]. It is given intramuscularly for upper respiratory tract infections[238]. The bark of 10 year old trees is harvested in the winter or spring and dried for later use[238, 254]. The fruit is expectorant[218].

Known Hazards

High doses can cause nausea & vomiting. Avoid with spleen and stomach disorders. Avoid during pregnancy as high berberine content [301]