The Amur Maple is a species of maple native to northeastern Asia from easternmost Mongolia east to Korea and Japan, and north to the Russian Far East in the Amur River valley. It is a small maple with deciduous leaves that is sometimes grown as a garden subject or boulevard tree. It was first introduced to North America in the 1860s as an ornamental plant and for wildlife and windbreak plantings.
The Amur maple is generally a small tree that grows up to 20 feet tall and wide. It features a dense, rounded crown and a smooth, grayish-brown bark that becomes scaly as it ages. In terms of growth rate, the Amur maple is considered to have a moderate to fast growth rate. On average, it can increase in height by 13-24 inches (33-61 cm) per year.
The lifespan of Amur maple ranges from 20 to 30 years. However, with proper care and growing conditions, it can live up to 50 years or more. The leaves of the Amur maple are simple, opposite, and palmate, with 3-5 lobes that are sharply pointed. They are typically bright green in spring and summer, and turn into brilliant shades of red, orange, or yellow in the fall.
This shrub that produces beautiful flowers in the spring. These flowers are small and appear in clusters, giving the tree a lovely, delicate appearance. The blooms are typically a pale yellow or greenish-yellow color, adding a subtle touch of color to the landscape before the leaves fully emerge. The flowers are not as showy as those of some other flowering trees, but they are still a delightful sight in the spring.
The samaras of the Amur maple are small, winged seeds that are characteristic of maple trees. They are typically about 3/4 to 1 inch long and are pink or reddish in color during the summer, turning brown when they ripen. These samaras are dispersed by the wind, aided by their winged structure, and can travel some distance from the parent tree.
The Amur maple (Acer ginnala) is hardy in USDA zones 3-8. This means it can thrive in regions where the average annual minimum winter temperature ranges from -40°F (-40°C) in Zone 3 to 20°F (-6.7°C) in Zone 8. It is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. It prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate some drought once established.
The Amur Maple displaces native shrubs and understory trees in open woods and shades out native grasses and herbaceous plants in savanna habitats. It is also a MDA Specially Regulated Plant in Minnesota, with regulations in place to control its spread and impact on local ecosystems.
The Amur Maple is also considered an invasive species in some parts of the United States, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest. This is due to its prolific seed production and the ability of these seeds to germinate and spread in various habitats, including shaded areas.
Key Characteristics
- Size: Typically grows 15 to 20 feet tall and wide, though it can occasionally reach 25 feet.
- Leaves: The leaves are opposite, simple, and typically three-lobed. They are green during the growing season and turn vibrant shades of red, orange, or yellow in the fall.
- Flowers: Small, fragrant, creamy white flowers bloom in spring, often before the leaves fully emerge.
- Fruit: Produces paired samaras (winged seeds) that turn a reddish color as they mature.
Uses of Amur Maple
- Focal Point: It fall colors make it an excellent choice for a focal point in a garden. Plant it in a location where it will be visible from a distance, such as near a patio or in a front yard.
- Mixed Borders: It can be used in mixed borders to add a pop of color. It pairs well with other fall-blooming plants, such as chrysanthemums and asters.
- Understory Tree: It is a great choice for an understory tree, as it can tolerate partial shade. Plant it beneath larger trees to add color and interest to the landscape.
- Windbreak: It is wind-tolerant and can be used as a windbreak in exposed areas.
- Container Plant: It can be grown in a container and used on a patio or deck. It adds a touch of fall color to outdoor living spaces.
Pruning of Amur Maple (Acer ginnala)
The best time to prune is during the winter months when the tree is dormant, or in the very early spring before it starts to leaf out. This timing minimizes the risk of sap bleeding, which can occur if pruning is done in spring when the tree is actively growing.
When pruning, focus on removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches first. This helps to keep the tree healthy and prevents the spread of disease. Next, you can prune to shape the tree as desired, whether that’s to maintain its natural rounded habit or to train it into a more formal shape.
If you’re pruning to control the size of the tree, avoid cutting back more than 25% of the tree’s overall size in one year. This can shock the tree and lead to poor health or even death. Instead, spread out major pruning over several years.
When making cuts, aim to cut just outside the branch collar, which is the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk or larger branch. This helps the tree to heal more effectively.