Unique Features: The Amur Maackia originates from the Amur Valley region between China and Siberia. The Summerfrost grows slowly into a smaller tree than the species, with a lower canopy and a rounded form. When the pinnate leaves unfurl in the spring, they are a fuzzy silvery-white, resembling a magnolia bloom, and then mature to a dark olive-green. In summer it blooms with 3-4” upright spikes of creamy-white flowers, which resemble sweet peas (it is a member of the pea family). The flowers are fragrant and attractive to bees. It produces 2’’ to 3’’ flat seed pods, similar to those of a redbud; a mulched area around the base of the tree will absorb them. The copper bronze bark exfoliates with age for a little winter interest.