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Acer ginnala
amur maple
Scientific Name
Acer is Latin for “sharp” and may also be from the Celtic ac, which means “hard” in reference to the wood.
Common Name
Amur maple is the common name for Acer ginnala.
NATIVE RANGE AND HABITAT
Amur maple’s native range is central and northern China, Manchuria and Japan.
CONSERVATION INFORMATION
Not native to Kentucky.
DESCRIPTION
Growth Habit and Form
Amur maple is a small, multi-stemmed deciduous tree with a dense branching habit and spreading crown. Trees typically grow to 20 feet in height with a spread equal to height.
Leaves
Opposite, simple, serrated (toothed), 1 ½-3 inches long; 3 lobed; middle lobe is usually much longer than the two side lobes. Leaves are shiny and dark green above, paler below. Leaf shape is highly variable. Fall color is excellent brilliant scarlet.
Flowers
Panicles of very fragrant pale yellow or creamy flowers appear in early spring.
Fruit
Fruit is a pair of winged seeds called samaras. Each samara is ¾-1 inch long. The fruits ripen in the early fall and persist.
Bark
The bark is grayish brown, smooth, with darker striations or furrows with age.
Wild and Cultivated Varieties
‘Compactum’ has a dense and compact form.
- ‘Durand Dwarf’ is a dwarf and shrubby form that will grow 3 to 5 feet high with a similar or greater spread.
- ‘Embers’ has excellent bright red fruits and fall color.
- ‘Emerald Elf’ has a compact and rounded form and glossy green leaves turn scarlet to purple in autumn. Trees will grow 5 to 6 feet high with a 5-foot spread.
- ‘Flame’ is a dense shrub or small tree with red fruits and fiery red fall color.
- ‘Red Fruit’ is a collective term for types whose fruit color is a brilliant red.
- ‘Red Rhapsody’ will grow15 to 20 feet high when multi-stemmed and 30 feet high as a single stemmed tree. It has lustrous dark green leaves and brilliant red fall color.
HORTICULTURE
Landscape Use
Amur maple is a lovely small specimen tree. Trees are good for patio or for mass plantings. It is one of the few maples with fragrant flowers. Amur maple is moderately tolerant of urban stress, but its multi-stemmed character limits its use as a street tree.
Hardiness Zone
Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 8.
Growth Rate
Slow - over a period of 10 to 20 years the growth in height averages12 to 20 feet.
Cultivation and Propagation Information
Amur maple needs full sun for best fall color, but tolerates shade. It is adaptable to a wide range of soils and pH ranges. Trees perform best in moist, well-drained soil. Amur maple tolerates wind and drought. It is very easy to transplant. Propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings collected in June.
Diseases and Insects
Relatively problem-free.
Wildlife Considerations
Maple trees provide homes, shelter and food for wildlife.
Maintenance Practices
Amur maple needs minimal maintenance. Growth form is variable and can be successfully tailored to specific landscape requirements by pruning. Trees withstand heavy pruning.
TRADITIONAL AND MODERN USES
Amur maple is a native of China, Manchuria and Japan but has become an ornamental favorite in North America and Europe. It was introduced into cultivation in 1860.
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