Amur maackia (Maackia amurensis)

December 6, 2017

Wednesday, December 6, 2017 - 9am

By: Dalton Uphoff

Maackia amurensis
Maackia amurensis

                          Photo Credit: Bruce Marlin                                       Photo Credit: Jean-Pol Grandmont

Maackia amurensis, or Amur maackia originates from a region of the Amur River which serves as a border between Siberia and China, and owes its name to the Siberian explorer Karlovich Maack. Despite its non-native roots, Amur maackia grows in USDA hardiness zones 3-7 and is thus tolerant of a myriad number of climates but prefers full sun and moist, well drained soils. It is also tolerant to drought conditions. A small and compact deciduous tree reaching heights of merely 30 to 40 feet tall, Amur maackia is commonly seen adorning yards and streets in urban environments. Even this height is a long process as it only grows around 12 feet in the span of twenty years. However, what it makes up for in size, it recovers in aesthetic appeal.

Maackia amurensis leaves
Maackia amurensis bark

                       Photo Credit: Salicyna                                                   Photo Credit: Kenpei

Aside from its compact form, Amur maackia is also known for its aesthetic appeal all throughout the year. In the winter, its bark provides a stark contrast from the dull colors of other trees due to its distinct exfoliating copper green bark. With the commencement of spring, this tree stands out from others because its new leaves take on a silvery appearance, owing to the silky hairs covering them.

Maackia amurensis flowers
Maackia amurensis leaves pods

                       Photo Credit: Chhe                                         Photo Credit: Missouri Botanical Garden

Maackia amurensis has compound dark green leaves that are 8-12 inches in length, and is a member of the Fabaceae or pea family. As a result, it has fruit in a flat brown pod that is 2-3 inches in length. These pods show themselves in mid summer after the tree’s showy white flowers are pollinated by bees in late spring. These flowers appear in upright clusters with a light fragrance.

All photos and references are used for educational purposes only.

References

  1. “Amur maackia.” The Morton Arboretum: Trees & Plants. The Morton Arboretum, n.d. Web. 29 Nov 2017. <http://bit.ly/2zPwkR3>
  2. “Maacia amurensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden: Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 29 Nov 2017. <http://bit.ly/2zP6QyY>
  3. “Amur maackia.” Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest: Bernheim Select Urban Trees. Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, n.d. Web. 29 Nov 2017. <http://bit.ly/2Bnmjaa>
  4. “Maackia amurensis: Amur maackia.” University of Florida: IFAS Extension. University of Florida, Feb 2014. Web. 29 Nov 2017. <http://bit.ly/2jwwSjP>
  5. “A Champion Tree at Cylburn: Maackia amurensis.” Baltimore City Forest Conservancy District Board: City Forest and Trees. Baltimore City Forest Conservancy District Board, 2002. Web. 29 Nov 2017. <http://bit.ly/2BmeSQt>

Photos

  1. Marlin, Bruce. "Amur maackia, Maackia amurensis specimens at Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illinois." Wikimedia Commons. Wikimedia Commons, 12 July 2007. Digital Image. 29 Nov 2017. <http://bit.ly/2Ak3Bk8>
  2. Grandmont, Jean-Pol. "Amur maackia - Maackia amurensis." Wikimedia Commons. Wikimedia Commons, 13 July 2008. Digital Image. 29 Nov 2017. <http://bit.ly/2ne6Qac>
  3. Salicyna. "Maackia amurensis." Wikimedia Commons. Wikimedia Commons, 9 May 2016. Digital Image. 29 Nov 2017. <http://bit.ly/2Bxbfb5>
  4. Kenpei. "Maackia amurensis." Wikimedia Commons. Wikimedia Commons, 6 Feb 2007. Digital Image. 29 Nov 2017. <http://bit.ly/2BxBtKO>
  5. Chhe. "A picture of the leaves of Maackia amurensis." Wikimedia Commons. Wikimedia Commons, 25 July 2009. Digital Image. 29 Nov 2017. <http://bit.ly/2zAsyqh>
  6. "Photo of leaves." Missouri Botanical Garden: Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Digital Image. 29 Nov 2017. <http://bit.ly/2AHPecm>
Tags
Featured Tree
Tree of the Week
Amur maackia
Maackia amurensis