Chinese Maackia

Chinese maackia is a deciduous small tree with a rounded crown, attractive compound foliage, and pale flower clusters in late summer. Kew accepts the name *Maackia hupehensis* and treats *M. chinensis* as a synonym; both names refer to this same Chinese tree. ## Garden Character In cultivation, expect a tree about 20–30 feet tall with a somewhat greater spread. New leaves emerge silvery gray before turning dark green, adding a brief spring contrast; creamy-white flowers appear in upright clusters later in the growing season, followed by flat pods. Mature bark develops a coppery-brown, peeling surface. Its moderate scale and rounded form suit a lawn specimen, mixed border, or open garden where its canopy can develop. Plant in sun or partial shade. The species adapts to a range of soils, and Oregon State University lists it as hardy to zone 5, with zone 4 marginal. Give the tree room for its eventual canopy and avoid placing it where regular pruning will be needed to clear a walkway or building. Water during establishment and extended dry spells, then adjust to local rainfall and soil drainage. The tree is native to central and western China and entered cultivation from seed collected by Ernest Wilson in 1907. For botanical naming and distribution, see [Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:505352-1); for cultivated size and garden traits, see [Oregon State University Landscape Plants](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/maackia-chinensis). ## Maintenance Water deeply during the first growing seasons while roots establish. Thereafter, prune only to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and to preserve a balanced structure; routine shaping is unnecessary. Allow the flowering clusters and flat pods to develop if they are part of the desired seasonal display.