Starburst Yellowwood

Starburst is a named selection of Amur maackia (Maackia amurensis), also called Chinese yellow wood. It is a deciduous small tree with a straight trunk, dense rounded crown, darker green foliage, peeling coppery bark, and abundant upright clusters of white, pea-like flowers. ## Garden use Use it as a specimen or border tree where its summer flower clusters and distinctive bark can be seen. The species is described as a 20–30-foot tree in cultivation, though the Starburst patent characterizes this selection as more vigorous than its parent and does not give a dependable mature garden size. Its broad crown needs room to develop. The name “yellowwood” is also used for other trees, so retain Maackia amurensis when identifying this plant. ## Growing conditions The species grows in USDA zones 3a–8a and does well in full sun or partial shade. Choose loose, well-drained soil with average moisture; it tolerates clay, loam, or sand but struggles in sites that stay extremely wet or dry. Starburst’s patent describes abundant white panicles on summer growth, with a denser, more rounded canopy and darker foliage than the parent. ## Maintenance Prune young trees to shape after flowering in summer. Avoid large cuts on older branches, which heal slowly, and avoid winter pruning because sap may bleed. The plant patent identifies Starburst as USPP10557P, issued August 18, 1998. [Starburst plant patent](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP10557P/en) · [NC State Extension profile for Maackia amurensis](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/maackia-amurensis/).