Tatarium maple, Amur maple
Acer tataricum
Family: Sapindaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.
There are about 120-150 Acer species
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It needs a light, fertile, well-drained soil. It needs a protected sunny position. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. It suits hardiness zones 4-8.
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Albania, Asia, Australia, Austria, Balkans, Britain, Bulgaria, China, Europe, Greece, Hungary, Japan, Korea, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mongolia, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Siberia, Slovenia, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine
How it is used for food
The sap of the tree is used as a source of sugar. The seeds with the wings removed can be boiled and eaten.
Edible parts
Seeds, sap
How it is grown
Seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours then kept cold at 0-8°C for 2-4 months to assist them to grown. Seed can be sown fresh if green seeds are used. Layering or cuttings can be used.
Its other names
Local names
Asian maple, Tatarski javor