Lavalle Corktree (Phellodendron amurense lavallei)
Description
Notable Feature: This handsome native from Japan has the common name, Corktree, in reference to its attractive corky bark, however it is not thick enough for commercial cork production.Habit: A deciduous, medium-sized tree, growing to 30 to 45 feet with upright branching. On older trees the ridged and furrowed corky bark is most noticeable. Flower: Dioecious - both male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. Flowers are a yellowish green and occur in 2-inch long panicles in June; they are not showy.Fruit: Female trees bear -- black drupes that attract birds and other wildlife through the late fall and winter.Foliage: The lustrous leaves are dark green above and paler beneath. They are opposite, pinnately compound, 10 to 15- long, each leaf composed of 5 to 11 leaflets. In fall the leaves turn a bright yellow.Interesting Fact: A yellow dye is obtained from the inner bark and an oil is obtained from the seed which has insecticidal properties similar to pyrethrum. Wood is heavy, hard, strong, and close-grained and is used for furniture.
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum: Magnoliophyta
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Class: Magnoliopsida
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Order: Sapindales
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Family: Rutaceae
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Genus: Phellodendron
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