Growth and Survival Requirements of Five Small Asian Maples: Acer

Sep 30, 2010
Georgene A. Bramlage

Acer buergeranum: Autumn Coloration - ©Georgene A. Bramlage

Small Asian maples make superb landscape options. Well-thought-out choices are easy-to-grow and provide strong four-season focal points in intimate spaces.

These five Asian maples thrive in and beautify small landscape spaces such as condominium, patio and front yard gardens, shopping complexes, arcades and boutiques. Some of the smaller species make excellent plants for large containers.

Growing Requirements

Maples are such variable species that Michael A. Dirr states on page 18 in the Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture Propagation and Uses. (6th Ed., 2009. Stipes Publishing, Champaign, IL. 61824) that the only absolute identification traits are oppositely arranged leaves and winged fruit (samaras). It is ideal to match the growing and survival requirements of a desired species with the physical environment of its intended location.

All of these maples prosper in full sun. The trifoliate (leaves composed of three leaflets) species tolerate low–level shade and still turn out pleasing autumn color. Soil and moisture acclimatization vary from species to species, as does soil pH tolerance.

An essential placement consideration is paying attention to the mature height of a desired Asian maple. These plants, frequently sold in containers, often give impressions that they remain at unnaturally small heights and widths. The site mistake becomes apparent as shortly as five years after planting. No type or amount of pruning does justice to a poorly placed Asian maple.

Height Range – Shortest to Tallest

Amur maple – (Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala): Approximate growth range is 15yrs. = 9.8ft.; 40yrs. = 19.65ft.
Paperbark maple (Acer griseum): 18yrs. = 8.19ft.; 50yrs. = 19.65ft.
Tatarian maple (Acer tataricum): 15yrs. = 9.81ft.; 50yrs. = 22.9ft.
Trident maple (Acer buergeranum): 18yrs.=16+ft.; 60 yrs. =32.75ft.
Hedge maple (Acer campestre): 18yrs. = 16+ft.; 60yrs. = 39.3ft.

Site Requirements

Amur maple (Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala), currently regarded as a subspecies of the Tatarian maple (Acer tataricum), is a Chinese and Korean native introduced to western horticulture in 1890. It grows well in plant hardiness zones 3a through 8 but the species and varieties function better in the north than in zones 7b (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; South Boston, Virginia) through 8b (Austin, Texas; Gainesville, Florida). The Amur maple is adaptable to a variety of soils and pH ranges, but performs best in moist, well–drained soil. Although not trifoliate, it withstands light shade. Dirr lists sixteen available cultivars. 'Bailey's Compact' ('Compactum') and 'Flame' have problems with Verticillium wilt, a soil–borne fungus.

Paperbark maple (Acer griseum) is native to central China, and was discovered and introduced in 1901 by E. H. Wilson. It grows well in plant hardiness zones 5 to 7, possibly 8. Like many small Asian maples, the paperbark maple is adaptable to a variety of soils including clay, and pHs including lime–based soils. However, it prefers moist, but well–drained soils. Like its trifoliate cousins, it produces adequate autumn leaf colors when grown in light shade. Dirr lists two cultivars which are hybrids of A. griseum and A. maximowiczianum (A. nikoense).

Tatarian maple (Acer tataricum) is a native of dry, sunny sites in Russia and western Asia. It is a horticultural introduction of the mid–eighteenth century to western and southeastern Europe through the exploits of John Falk. The tatarian maple behaves much the same in landscape situations as the amur maple. Dirr notes that this maple is not commonly available because it is so similar to the amur maple. However, he does list five cultivars.

Trident maple (Acer buergeranum) is native to China and Korea, but has been cultivated since 1890. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society awarded this maple its Gold Medal for underused plants in 2000. The trident maple grows well in full sun, in zones 5 to 8 possibly to 9, and in acid but well–drained soils. Its drought resistance and small size make the trident maple an excellent street tree. Bonsai training is another good use for the trident maple. Dirr list five cultivars.

Hedge maple (Acer campestre) is widespread in Europe, the Near–East and Africa, and was introduced to American horticulture during the Colonial era. The hedge maple grows well in rich well–drained soils, either in full sun or light shade in zones 5 (possibly 4) to 8. It is, however, tolerant of high pH (basic) dry soils, compaction, and air pollution. This maple is often used to form small to medium–high hedges in Europe and England because it responds so well to severe pruning.