CAUTION: INVASIVE TENDENCIES. Phellodendron amurense, or amur cork tree, is not recommended due to invasive tendencies. It prefers well-draining loam soil, and can tolerate a range of pH levels, however it prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. Native to northern China, Manchuria, Korea, and Japan, it often replaces native hardwoods and is classified as invasive in New York. The tree emits an unpleasant turpentine-like odor when its foliage is bruised or fruit crushed. Though it typically faces few pests or diseases, the tree is somewhat messy, with falling leaves, sticky fruit, and peeling bark adding to debris. An alternative to consider planting instead is Cercis canadensis or Celtis occidentalis.