Habitat

• southeastern Europe and western Asia
• hardy to zone 3
• Special Note: This species has demonstrated an invasive tendency in Connecticut, meaning it may escape from cultivation and naturalize in minimally managed areas. For more information, .

Habit and Form

• deciduous
• a large multistemmed shrub or more often a small tree
• 15' to 20' or more
• medium texture
• round to wide spreading outline
• slow to medium growth rage

Summer Foliage

• opposite, 2" to 4" long
• 3-lobed, but central lobe is much larger than side lobes. Leaves of mature tree nearly unlobed.
• medium to dark green, high quality

Autumn Foliage

• mix of yellow and red
• leaves color and drop early

Flowers

• somewhat ornamental
• greenish-white in April-May
• in 2" to 3" panicles

Fruit

• 0.75" to 1" long samaras
• typically numerous and showy during August
• red and lasting almost a month before turning brown

Bark

• similar to Acer ginnala
• smooth gray on young branches
• textured gray on old trunks

Culture

• easily transplanted
• adaptable
• full sun is best, but can take some light shade
• performs well in cold climates

Landscape Uses

• specimen
• patio or small residence tree for shade
• planter boxes
• mini-groves or groupings
• could be used more than it is
• possibly a street tree
• excellent

Liabilities

• no serious problems
• may produce unwanted seedlings

ID Features

• distinctive leaf shape for a maple
• lack of a terminal bud
• similar leaves to Acer ginnala, but leaves are broader, almost heart-shaped.

Propagation

• by seed
• can also be done by softwood or semihardwood cuttings

Cultivars/Varieties

• none of commercial significance