Acer ginnala (Amur Maple)

Prized for its small size, fragrant flowers, and attractive fall foliage, Acer ginnala (Amur Maple) is a bushy deciduous shrub or small tree, often with a multi-stemmed trunk and rounded crown.

Prized for its small size, fragrant flowers, and attractive fall foliage, Acer ginnala (Amur Maple) is a bushy deciduous shrub or small tree, often with a multi-stemmed trunk and rounded crown. Leafing out early in the spring, the opposite, toothed leaves are deeply 3-lobed. Bright green in spring and summer, they usually turn deep red, sometimes bright yellow, in autumn. Clusters of small, fragrant, creamy flowers are followed by dangling red-winged samaras, which hang on the tree until late fall. The bark of the tree is smooth and gray. Very hardy and adaptable, Amur Maple can be used as a small specimen or patio tree. Since it withstands heaving pruning, it can be successfully grown as a container plant. Easy to transplant, and relatively pest-free, Amur Maple is listed as invasive in some states in the midwestern and northeastern U.S.A.

  • Grows up to 15-20 ft. tall and wide (450-600 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade in moist, organically rich, well-drained soil. Amur Maple is tolerant of wind, dry soil, and drought.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant in cottage gardens, city gardens, or containers.
  • Low maintenance, this plant needs little pruning. Remove diseased, damaged, congested, or crossing shoots. Remove any shoots with green leaves.
  • May be affected by scale insects, aphids, and verticillium wilt.
  • Propagate by seed or grafting.
  • Native to China, Mongolia, Korea, and Japan.
  • Find where Acer ginnala species is invasive in the United States.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 7

Heat Zones 1
– 7

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Acer – Maples
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 15'
– 20'
(4.5m
– 6m)
Spread 15'
– 20'
(4.5m
– 6m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Clay Soil, Drought, Dry Soil
Garden Uses Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage