This slow to moderate growing, medium-sized deciduous tree reaches a mature height of 20 to 30 feet and 15 to 20 feet wide. Leaves are pinnate, and open in the spring a light, soft green, turning darker green through the summer. In summer, dense, erect, 8-inch-long racemes of of small, off-white, fragrant flowers appear. Blooms are followed by flat, two to three-inch-long pods. Beautiful orange-brown, shiny bark. No appreciable fall color. Excellent patio or parkstrip tree.
Sometimes listed as Amur maackia. Like other plants in the In the legume family, Maackia fixes nitrogen from the soil, making it a good choice in poor soils. Grow in full sun in well drained soil, either acidic or slightly alkaline. Drought tolerant once established. Not easy to find, but worth looking for; an attractive, tough little tree.