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Acer tataricum ssp. ginnala
Amur maple
Northeastern Asia — China, Mongolia, Siberia, Korea, Japan; river banks, forest edges, and open woodlandsLearn more
Overview
Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala is Amur maple (ginnala maple), a small deciduous tree or large shrub growing 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m) tall and 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m) wide, often multi-stemmed. Dark green 3-lobed leaves with the central lobe much longer than the side lobes, 1.5-3 inches (4-7 cm) long. Turns yellow, orange, and red in fall. Fragrant white to yellowish-white flowers in erect panicles 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in May. Paired red-tinged samaras in late summer. In Sapindaceae. Native to northeastern Asia (China, Mongolia, Siberia, Korea, Japan). Extremely cold-hardy — zone 2. Tolerates a wide range of soils, drought (once established), and urban conditions. The primary limitation is invasiveness: classified as invasive in several northeastern and midwestern US states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and others). The prolific seed production and wide soil tolerance drive its invasive spread into natural areas. Check local invasive species lists before planting. Can be trained as a single-trunk tree or left as a multi-stemmed large shrub. Smooth gray bark. Zones 2-8. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is moderate to fast.
Native Range
Native to northeastern Asia — China, Mongolia, Siberia, Korea, Japan. Found on river banks, forest edges, and open woodlands.Suggested Uses
Grown as a small shade tree, hedge (responds to shearing), or multi-stemmed specimen in residential gardens spaced 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m). Fall color. Fragrant spring flowers. Cold-hardy (zone 2). Invasive in several US states — check local regulations. Zones 2-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 20'
Width/Spread15' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Late spring (May). Fragrant white to yellowish-white tiny flowers in erect panicles 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm). 3 weeks of bloom. Bee-pollinated. Paired red-tinged samaras follow in late summer.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to yellowish-white, fragrant, tiny, in erect panicles 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm)Foliage Description
Dark green, 3-lobed with the central lobe much longer than the side lobes, 1.5-3 inches (4-7 cm) long; turns yellow, orange, and red in fall — often vivid red on the same treeGrowing 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
Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours). Any well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.5 — tolerates clay, sand, and urban conditions. Drought-tolerant once established. Prune only in summer (July-August). Invasive in several US states — check local lists before planting. Prolific self-sower. Non-toxic. Zones 2-8.Pruning
Prune only in summer (July-August) to avoid sap bleeding. Can be trained as a single-trunk tree by removing lower branches, or left as a multi-stemmed large shrub. Remove suckers at the base if a tree form is maintained. Remove seedlings from garden to limit spread.Pruning Schedule
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F
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summer
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 25 gallons