Tatarian maple (Acer tataricum)
Species info:
Leaves: Opposite, simple, medium to dark green; generally oval and not as distinctly lobed as other maples; margins may be slightly wavy or toothed; fall color varies from yellow to reddish-orange to reddish-purple, often less vivid than Amur maple.
Leaflets: N/A (simple leaves)
Leaf Surface: Smooth and matte, medium green above, paler beneath.
Bark: Gray-brown, smooth when young; becoming slightly fissured with age.
Flowers: Small, off-white, and attractive; appear in early May to June depending on elevation and exposure
Fruit: Twin samaras about 1 inch long, turning red in August and brown in fall; often persist into winter
Botanical: Acer tataricum
Family: Sapindaceae
Mature Height: 15–20 feet
Canopy Spread: 20 feet
Foliage Type: Deciduous
Tree Shape: Multi-stemmed shrub or small rounded tree; dense and compact form
Flowers: Inconspicuous
Fruit: Certain varieties (e.g., Hot Wings) have red samaras
Fall Color: Variable—yellow, orange-red, or reddish-purple
Water Use: Low to moderate; moderately drought tolerant once established
Hardiness: Best in Zones 3–6; hardy to approximately 8,000 ft elevation; slightly less hardy than Amur maple
Soil Preference: Performs well in poor, alkaline, or moderately dry soils; prefers well-drained conditions
Wildlife Value: Fruit provides food for birds; flowers attract pollinators
Insects and Diseases: Generally few issues; may experience occasional leaf spots
Notable Traits: Tolerant of cold and poor soils; less prone to iron chlorosis than Amur maple; excellent small ornamental or utility tree for constrained spaces
Colorado Suitability: Performs well in alkaline soils and cold climates; suitable for planting under power lines or in small landscapes; consider over Amur maple where iron chlorosis is an issue
Planting recommendation: Recommended for Front Range; weak wood, prune regularly to reduce failures from heavy snow
Information Sources:
Michael Dirr, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (University of Georgia, 1990)
