Maackia is a small, flowering, deciduous tree or shrub with a rounded crown, low trunk, and stiff, spiny interlacing branches in the bean family. It is an adaptable tree with a mature height and width of 30 feet in cultivation and 60 feet in the wild. It has amber to brown peeling bark, pea-like flowers with a scent of vanilla that appear in late spring, and 2 to 4 inch, flat seed pods in fall. The genus name honors Richard Karlovich Maak, a 19th century Russian naturalist and explorer. The species name recognizes the Amur River valley where the tree was discovered. Maackia does best in average, medium moisture, loose well-drained soil in full sun to part shade, but prefers full sun and does not tolerate extreme wet or dry sites. It will tolerate cold temperatures and a range of soil types, including heavy clay, and has the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. The tree transplants easily and can be pruned to shape; however, it is best to do this when the tree is young. Large cuts on an older tree will be slow to heal. Also, prune in summer after flowering has ceased. Pruning in winter causes bleeding and low temperatures prevent wound healing. This tree is similar to yellowwood ( Cladrastis ) although yellowwood is slightly larger, has more attractive flowers, and excellent fall color. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No known diseases or insect pests.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.