Acer ginnala d.w. (Amur Maple, Flame Maple, Siberian Maple)

Acer ginnala d.w. (Amur Maple, Flame Maple) is a deciduous tree species native to northeastern Asia, particularly in regions like Siberia, China, and Japan. It belongs to the Aceraceae family and is closely related to other maples.

The Amur Maple typically grows to a height of 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters) with a spread of 15 to 25 feet (4.5 to 7.5 meters). It has a dense, rounded crown and a moderate growth rate. The tree features palmate leaves with three lobes, each ranging from 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 centimeters) in length.

The foliage emerges green in spring, turns vibrant shades of orange and red in autumn, and eventually drops in winter.

One of the appealing qualities of the Amur Maple is its adaptability to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. It thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions and has a tolerance for cold temperatures, making it suitable for planting in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. It is also relatively drought-tolerant once established.

The Amur Maple produces small, fragrant yellow flowers in spring, which give way to clusters of winged seeds known as samaras. These samaras mature in late summer and early autumn and can be dispersed by the wind.

As a landscaping tree, the Amur Maple is often chosen for its vibrant fall coloration, compact size, and ability to withstand urban conditions. It is commonly used in hedges, screens, borders, or as an accent plant. Due to its smaller size, it can be grown in gardens or yards with limited space.