Acer ginnala
Amur maple
Northeastern China, Mongolia, Manchuria, Korea, and Japan; mixed forests and forest edges
Overview
Acer ginnala is a small upright deciduous tree growing 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m) tall and 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m) wide. Yellowish-white fragrant flowers are carried in upright panicles, 2-3 inches (5-7 cm), in May for about 2 weeks — fragrant showy flowers are a trait not shared by most Acer spp. species, where the flowers are typically wind-pollinated and unscented. Red samaras follow in summer and turn brown in fall. Three-lobed leaves with an elongated central lobe, 1.5-3 inches (4-7 cm) long, turn brilliant scarlet to red-orange in fall — the fall color is the primary ornamental feature. The species is now classified by some authorities as A. tataricum ssp. ginnala. Native to northeastern China, Mongolia, Korea, and Japan. Cold hardiness extends to USDA zone 3, exceeding that of most cultivated maples. Self-seeding has driven naturalization in parts of the upper Midwest and northeastern United States, where the species is listed as invasive — the invasive status is the primary ecological limitation, and regional planting status should be checked before installation. Drought-tolerant once established. Tolerates clay, alkaline, and salt-affected soils. Often grown as a multi-stemmed specimen. Pruning is restricted to late winter to avoid heavy sap bleeding. Non-toxic.
Native Range
Native to northeastern China, Mongolia, Manchuria, Korea, and Japan. Found in mixed forests and forest edges.Suggested Uses
Grown as a small specimen tree, multi-stemmed shrub, or in mixed borders, spaced 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m) apart. Brilliant fall color. Cold-hardy. Listed as invasive in parts of the upper Midwest and northeastern US — regional status should be checked before installation. Non-toxic. Hardy in zones 3-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 20'
Width/Spread15' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years
Bloom Information
Spring (May). Yellowish-white fragrant flowers, 0.2 inch (5 mm), in upright panicles 2-3 inches (5-7 cm). 2 weeks. Bee-visited. Showy fragrant flowers are a trait not shared by most Acer spp. species, where flowers are typically wind-pollinated and unscented. Red samaras follow in summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellowish-white, small (0.2 inch / 5 mm), in upright fragrant panicles 2-3 inches (5-7 cm); May; fragrant flowers are a trait not shared by most Acer spp. species; followed by red samaras (winged seeds) in summer that turn brown in fallFoliage Description
medium to dark green; three-lobed with an elongated central lobe (1.5-3 inches / 4-7 cm long), serrated margins, 1.5-3 inches (4-7 cm) wide; turns brilliant scarlet to red-orange in fall — the fall color is the primary ornamental featureGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Site in part sun to full sun (4-8 hours direct sun) in almost any well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-8.0. Drought-tolerant once established. Cold-hardy to zone 3. The species is invasive in parts of the upper Midwest and northeastern US — local regulatory and ecological status should be checked before planting. Prune in late winter (February-March) to avoid heavy sap bleeding. Non-toxic. Hardy in zones 3-8.Pruning
Prune in late winter (February-March) before sap rise to avoid heavy bleeding. Remove crossing or rubbing branches. Often grown as a multi-stemmed tree or large shrub.Pruning Schedule
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early spring