Unique Features: The Corktree is native to north-east Asia and Japan.  It grows moderately into a rounded spreading form, usually with a shorter trunk and several major branches as codominant leaders.  The leaves are pinnate or compound, a stem with leaflets on either side, 5 to 11 leaflets per stem. These types of leaves are similar to those of the Ash trees, as is the fall color which is a clear bright yellow.  The bark starts out a smooth grey brown and ages into a corky, spongy deeply ridged appearance, sometimes with an orange under bark showing in the crevices of the ridges.  Both the male and female trees have insignificant flowers in the late spring.  The female trees produce pea sized green berries that age to black.   The berries have a strong odor when crushed but the birds love them. The Corktree, and the Norway maple, are considered invasive in several north eastern states.