Amur Maple
Acer ginnala · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental / Shade Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species or common nursery selections like 'Flame'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8
About This Tree
Typically grown as a multi-stemmed large shrub or small tree with a rounded, dense crown. It features smooth to slightly furrowed bark on older stems, delicate branching, and brilliant red autumn color.
Leaf Characteristics
Opposite, simple leaves, 2 to 4 inches long, deeply 3-lobed with the middle lobe noticeably longer than the side lobes. Margins are sharply and doubly serrated. Bright green in summer turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in fall.
Bark Characteristics
Grayish-brown to dark gray, smooth on young stems, becoming slightly ridged and furrowed with age.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to northeastern Asia including China, Manchuria, Korea, and Japan
Growing Season
Leafs out in mid-spring, produces inconspicuous fragrant flowers in late spring, followed by winged samaras in summer; brilliant red fall foliage before dropping leaves for winter dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prefers well-drained, moist soils but demonstrates good drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Reaches a mature height of 15 to 20 feet with a comparable spread of 15 to 25 feet. Moderate growth rate.
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for its exceptional autumn color, cold hardiness, and tolerance to urban pollution, pruning, and varying soil conditions.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites and cover for small birds and songbirds. Flowers attract early-season pollinators like bees, and the seeds are consumed by small mammals and birds.