Discover the enchanting beauty of Maackia hupehensis, commonly known as Chinese Maackia. This small, deciduous tree boasts a charming, rounded, shrubby form, typically reaching 20-30 feet in height when cultivated. In late spring, it captivates with erect, spike-like clusters of fragrant, dull white, pea-like blooms, 4-6 inches long, followed by attractive elliptic seed pods. The tree’s compound, odd-pinnate leaves, composed of 11-13 dark green leaflets, emerge as a unique silvery gray-green in spring, adding a distinctive touch to any landscape, although they do not change color in autumn. Its mature coppery-brown bark exfoliates, providing striking textural interest. Distinguished from close relatives like Maackia amurensis by its pubescent leaf undersides and slightly larger flowers, Maackia hupehensis is a tribute to 19th-century Siberian explorer Richard Karlovich Maack. Closely related to the stately yellowwood, it offers an alluring and fragrant addition to your garden or arboretum.