Maackia spp.
maackia
East Asia (Amur region, China, Korea, Japan)
Overview
Maackia spp. is a genus of about eight deciduous trees in the legume family (Fabaceae), native to East Asia. The species most often grown in gardens, M. amurensis, makes a small, slow-growing tree 20-30 ft (6-9 m) tall and nearly as wide, with a rounded crown and shiny coppery-brown bark that peels on older trunks. Leaves are alternate and pinnately compound, 8-12 in (20-30 cm) long, with 7-13 oval leaflets that emerge silvery gray-green and mature to dull dark green. Upright spikes of small, pea-like, dull white to cream flowers stand above the foliage in mid- to late summer, after most trees have finished blooming. As a legume, the genus fixes atmospheric nitrogen through root bacteria and tolerates poor soils. Flat, dry seedpods 1-3 in (2.5-8 cm) long follow and persist into winter. Growth is slow, and trees take many years to reach flowering size.
Native Range
Maackia spp. is native to East Asia, including northeastern China, the Russian Far East, Korea, and Japan, where species grow in mixed forests, along riverbanks, and on rocky slopes. M. amurensis tolerates severe winter cold and is native to the Amur River region.Suggested Uses
Maackia spp. is used as a small lawn, street, or patio tree where summer flowers and winter bark add interest, and in plantings on poor or compacted urban soils. Single trees are spaced 20-25 ft (6-7.5 m) apart. The compact size suits small gardens and parking islands.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 30'
Width/Spread20' - 30'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in mid- to late summer, generally July to August, after most trees have finished blooming. Dense erect racemes 4-6 in (10-15 cm) long carry many small dull-white pea-flowers that draw bees. Dry flattened pods develop in late summer and hang on into winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Dull white to creamFoliage Description
Silvery gray-green opening, maturing dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight