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Acer tegmentosum
Manchurian Striped Maple
Northeastern China (Manchuria), Korean Peninsula, Russian Far East
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Overview
Acer tegmentosum is a deciduous tree reaching 20–30 feet (6–9 m) tall with a spread of 15–20 feet (4.5–6 m), forming an upright vase-shaped to broadly rounded crown, often with multiple stems from near the base. The bark is smooth, jade-green with bold vertical white striations that persist year-round on young and intermediate-aged stems — the primary ornamental feature of the species and visible at distance. Leaves are three-lobed (occasionally unlobed on the same tree), 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) wide, with a cordate base, pointed tips, and doubly serrated margins, medium to dark green above through summer. Fall color is yellow to yellow-orange, lasting 2–3 weeks. Small yellowish-green flowers appear in pendant racemes in April–May. Samaras, 1–1.25 inches (2.5–3 cm) long, ripen in September–October. Growth rate is moderate, 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) per year when young. Bark striping is most vivid on stems 1–4 inches (2.5–10 cm) in diameter; older main trunks develop gray-brown fissures as the striated bark matures.
Native Range
Acer tegmentosum is native to northeastern China (Manchuria), the Korean Peninsula, and the Russian Far East (Ussuri region), occurring as an understory to mid-canopy tree in mixed deciduous forests on well-drained slopes and valley margins at low to middle elevations.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen or woodland garden tree at 15–18 foot (4.5–5.5 m) spacing where the striped bark is visible year-round, particularly from paths and seating areas in winter. The jade-green-and-white bark is the primary four-season feature. Suited to woodland gardens, mixed borders, and naturalistic landscapes in zones 4–7. Not suited to full exposure in hot-summer climates, highly alkaline soils, or sites with poor drainage.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 30'
Width/Spread15' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years
Bloom Information
Small yellowish-green flowers appear in pendant racemes in April–May before or with the emerging leaves. Individual flowers are small and inconspicuous. Samaras, 1–1.25 inches (2.5–3 cm) long, ripen in September–October.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
medium to dark green; yellow to yellow-orange in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 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
Plant in moist, well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5 in partial shade to full sun. Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established trees tolerate brief dry intervals of 10–14 days. Morning sun with afternoon shade preserves bark coloration and reduces scorch risk in climates with summer temperatures above 85°F (29°C). Bark striping is most vivid on plants grown in partial shade; intense sun may reduce the contrast. Performs in zones 4–7; heat tolerance above zone 7 is limited. No routine fertilization is required in adequate soils.Pruning
Prune in late spring to early summer (May–June) after leaf-out to minimize sap bleeding, or in late winter before bud break. Remove dead or crossing branches. Retain the most vividly striped young stems by removing oldest main stems at the base every 8–10 years — this renewal pruning maintains maximum bark interest. Avoid heavy pruning cuts on mature trunks. Multi-stem form develops naturally and is self-maintaining.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Maintenance Level
low⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Non-toxicBotanical Flashcard
