Amur Maple
Acer ginnala

Family: Aceraceae

What it is like

Acer ginnala is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 10

Where it is found

Found in many habitats in Korea, especially along streamsides and swampy places. Forests at elevations of 100 - 800 metres in China.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Manchuria.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The young leaves are used as a tea substitute.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

The leaves are packed around apples, rootcrops etc to help preserve them. Black, blue and brown dyes are obtained from the dried leaves. The leaves contain the dyestuff quercetin. They also contain about 30% tannin.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Preservative: For food, or for treating wood, ropes etc.

Tannin: An astringent substance obtaied from plants, it is used medicinally, as a dye and mordant, stabilizer in pesticide etc.

How it is grown

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. A very ornamental tree, there are some named varieties. The form 'Bailey Compact' is a compact form originating in N. America. Very closely related to and possibly only a ssp. of A. tataricum. The dried leaves are exported to China in large quantities for their use as a dye. Most maples are bad companion plants, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants.

Propagating it: 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 June or July. 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.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 3-8

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

This plant can be weedy or invasive in Connecticut (Amur maple) - Potentially invasive, not banned.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. tataricum ginnala.