Content Detail

Amur maple has invasive traits that enable it to spread aggressively. This tree is under observation and may be listed on official invasive species lists in the near future. Review of risks should be undertaken before selecting this tree for planting sites. One tree can produce more than 5,000 two-winged seeds that are widely spread by wind. In open woods, Amur maple displaces native shrubs and understory trees. In prairies and open fields, it can shade out native species of plants, disrupting the ecosystems that plants and animals depend on.

  • Family (English) Soapberry (formerly Maple)
  • Family (botanic) Sapindaceae (formerly Aceraceae)
  • Tree or plant type Tree, Shrub
  • Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
  • Native locale Non-native
  • Size range Large shrub (more than 8 feet), Compact tree (10-15 feet), Small tree (15-25 feet)
  • Mature height 15-18 feet
  • Mature width 15-18 feet
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
  • Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
  • Tolerances Alkaline soil, Occasional drought
  • Season of interest early spring, early fall, mid fall
  • Flower color and fragrance Fragrant, White
  • Shape or form Multi-stemmed, Round
  • Growth rate Moderate
  • Transplants well Yes
  • Planting considerations Commonly planted
  • Wildlife Insect pollinators
  • Has cultivars Yes

Bark color and texture: 

The bark is gray-brown and smooth on young branches, becoming slightly striped or fissured with age.

Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture: 

Simple, opposite, 2 to 4 inch long leaves are arranged in pairs. The dark green leaves have three lobes with a toothed edge. The fall color is orange, red, and yellow.

Flower arrangement, shape, and size: 

The creamy white flowers are fragrant and held in small clusters.

Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions: 

The fruit are samaras (winged seeds in pairs).

 

Plant Care:

This tree is becoming a problem in the Midwest where it displaces native shrubs and understory trees. It is not recommended for planting. One tree can produce more than 5,000 two-winged seeds that are widely spread by wind. In open woods, it displaces native shrubs and understory trees. In prairies and open fields, it can shade out native species.  

List of pests and diseases: 

Verticillium wilt (fungus) is a potential problem for maples.

Beethovan™ Amur maple (Acer ginnala ‘Betzam’):

This cultivar has a narrow, columnar habit with yellow-red fall color and red fruit.

Flame Amur maple (Acer ginnala ‘Flame’): 

This cultivar has red fruit and flame-red fall color.

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