Common Name: Amur Maple

General Information

Acer tataricum ginnala is a deciduous shrub or small tree usually growing 5 - 7 metres tall, but occasionally reaching 15 metres. The bole is usually around 10cm in diameter, exceptionally to 30cm[].
The dried leaves were at one time exported from Korea to China in large quantities for their use as a dye[]. A very ornamental tree[], there are some named varieties[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Mongolia.

Habitat

Found in many habitats in Korea, especially along streamsides and swampy places[]. Sparse forests at elevations of 100 - 800 metres in China[]. Usually in swampy sites in Japan[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Acer tataricum ginnala is a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -30°c when dormant[].
Of easy cultivation, it prefers a good moist well-drained soil on the acid side[, ]. Prefers a sunny position but tolerates some shade[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Chlorosis can sometimes develop as a result of iron deficiency when the plants are grown in alkaline soils, but in general maples are not fussy as to soil pH.
The form 'Bailey Compact' is a compact form originating in N. America.
Most maples are bad companion plants, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants[, ].

Edible Uses

The young leaves are used as a tea substitute[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

We have two reports that the leaves of maple species, when laid in layers between crops such as apples, carrots and potatoes, have a preservative effect[, ]. The reports do not name any specific species[].

Black, blue and brown dyes are obtained from the dried leaves[]. The leaves contain the dyestuff quercetin[]. They also contain about 30% tannin[].

Propagation

Seed of garden origin rarely comes true to type. The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, it usually germinates in the following spring. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours and then stratify for 2 - 4 months at 1 - 8°c. It can be slow to germinate. The seed can be harvested 'green' (when it has fully developed but before it has dried and produced any germination inhibitors) and sown immediately. It should germinate in late winter. If the seed is harvested too soon it will produce very weak plants or no plants at all[, ]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until they are 20cm or more tall before planting them out in their permanent positions.
Layering, which takes about 12 months, is successful with most species in this genus.
Cuttings of young shoots in early summer . The cuttings should have 2 - 3 pairs of leaves, plus one pair of buds at the base. Remove a very thin slice of bark at the base of the cutting, rooting is improved if a rooting hormone is used. The rooted cuttings must show new growth during the summer before being potted up otherwise they are unlikely to survive the winter. Fairly easy from cuttings.