Common Name: maackia
Type: Tree
Family: Fabaceae
Native Range: Russia, eastern Asia
Zone: 3 to 7
Height: 20.00 to 30.00 feet
Spread: 20.00 to 30.00 feet
Bloom Time: June
Bloom Description: Dull White
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Shade Tree, Street Tree, Flowering Tree
Flower: Showy, Fragrant
Culture
Best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soil conditions. This species is best pruned to shape when young since large cuts are slow to heal. Prune in the summer after flowering. Pruning in winter causes excessive bleeding and slows wound healing.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Amur maackia is a small, deciduous tree with a broad, rounded habit. Typically grows in cultivation at a slow-to-moderate rate to a height of 20-30' (to 60' in the wild). Features erect, narrow, spike-like clusters (4-6" long) of fragrant, dull white, pea-like flowers which appear in late spring. Flowers are followed by flat seed pods (2-3" long). Compound, odd-pinnate, dark olive green leaves (7-13 leaflets each) are attractive in summer but produce no fall color. Coppery-bronze bark exfoliates on mature trees. Karlovich Maack, a 19th century Siberian explorer, discovered the tree growing in the region of the Amur River which serves as the border between Siberia and China. This member of the pea family is both closely related and similar in appearance to yellowwood (Cladrastis). Yellowwood is slightly larger, has more attractive flowers, and exhibits excellent fall color.
Genus name honors Richard Karlovich Maak(1825-1886), Russian naturalist and explorer.
Specific epithet recognizes the Amur River valley where it was discovered.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Small shade tree or street tree.