How to identify Tartarian maple (Acer tataricum)

How to identify Tartarian maple (Acer tataricum)

Tartarian maple, also known as Tatarian maple, Amur maple

Tartarian maple exhibits a compact and dense growth habit, with a rounded crown that distinguishes it as a small to medium-sized tree or a multi-stemmed shrub. It matures to a height between 15 and 20 feet (4.6 to 6 meters) and develops multiple trunks. The foliage transforms throughout the seasons, showcasing leaves that are broad and possess a simple, opposite arrangement with serrated margins. The plant’s structure and leaf characteristics are notable for their identification.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Tartarian maple

Opposite, simple leaves with irregular double serration, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long

Distinctive reddish-brown stem with small lens-shaped lenticels, 1/8 to 1/4 inches (3-6 mm) long

Upright panicles of greenish-white flowers in April-May, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long

Winged samara fruit, 3/4 - 1 inch (1.9 - 2.5 cm) with red to brown color transition

Young pale brown bark with shallow fissures, transitioning to a rougher texture

Detailed Traits of Tartarian maple

Leaf Features

Tartarian maple exhibits opposite, simple leaves measuring 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length. These leaves are irregularly doubly serrated and display a medium bright green color on the upper surface. The petiole, which attaches the leaf to the stem, is 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long. Leaves are distinctively lobed, with the bottom two lobes being the most prominent. This characteristic lobing and serration are key features for identifying tartarian maple.

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Flower Features

Tartarian maple flowers are greenish-white and appear from April to May, coinciding with the emergence of the leaves. These flowers are arranged in upright panicles that measure 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in both length and width. The blossoms typically lack strong scent but play a crucial role in the plant's reproductive system. The small flowers form a dense cluster, enhancing their visibility during the blooming period.

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Stem Features

The stem of tartarian maple is characterized by its reddish-brown to brown coloration, featuring numerous lenticels which are small, lens-shaped openings. The stem's texture is smooth, transitioning to a darker, almost black hue in some areas. Measuring approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inches (3 to 6 mm) in length, the stem segments are imbricate, meaning they overlap like roof tiles. This unique pattern, along with the distinctive coloring and lenticels, aids in identifying tartarian maple.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of tartarian maple is a distinctive winged samara, which is notable for its parallel structure. Each samara measures approximately 3/4 - 1 inch long (1.9 - 2.5 cm) and initially exhibits a vivid red hue. As the fruit matures, it undergoes a color transition, ultimately becoming a deeper brown. The samaras are generally seen arranged in pairs, and their texture may feel somewhat papery as they are engineered for wind dispersal. The transformation in color from red to brown also signifies the fruit's readiness to be dispersed from the parent tree.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Tartarian maple and Their Similar Plants

Japanese maple vs. Tartarian maple: What's The Difference?

A woody plant native to East Asia, the japanese maple features hand-shaped leaves with five-pointed lobes that resemble the palm of a hand. It has been cultivated for millennia in Japan for bonsai creation. Extracts from the branches and leaves of this plant are used as medicine in Chinese traditional medicine.

Box elder vs. Tartarian maple: What's The Difference?

Box elder (Acer negundo) is a type of maple tree native to North America, but which is now found throughout the world. It is a hardy, medium-to-large tree that grows quickly and has a relatively short lifespan of up to 60 years. Older trees are prone to storm damage. Box elder wood is relatively flimsy because the tree grows so fast.

Red maple vs. Tartarian maple: What's The Difference?

The red maple is a common North American tree with distinctive red leaves and flower buds. Its sap can be made into maple syrup and the wood is good for furniture. Though non-toxic to humans, the leaves are very toxic to horses. According to the U.S. Forest Service, red maple is the most common tree in eastern North America.

Norway maple vs. Tartarian maple: What's The Difference?

The norway maple is a tree species native to Europe and West Asia. It is 20 to 30 m tall and has bright green, lobed leaves which turn yellow or red in the autumn. Introduced as an ornamental shade tree in the United States, it is now considered invasive. Outside its northern range, it can be short-lived and susceptible to disease and damage.

Silver maple vs. Tartarian maple: What's The Difference?

Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) is one of the most common deciduous trees in the United States and southeast Canada. It is a 15 to 25 m tall, fast-growing, sun-loving tree. Its leaves have deeper angular notches between the five lobes than many other maple species. Silver maple is often found along waterways and wetlands, earning it an alternative name 'Water maple'.

Sycamore vs. Tartarian maple: What's The Difference?

Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) is a tree native to Europe and Asia. Sycamore is tolerant of wind and coastal exposure. This species is known as the sycamore maple in the United States. Sycamore wood is commercially used to make musical instruments, furniture, joinery, wood flooring and kitchen utensils.

Sugar maple vs. Tartarian maple: What's The Difference?

Acer saccharum, commonly known as sugar maple is a deciduous flowering tree native to North America. Sugar maple's xylem sap is used for making maple syrup - a popular food condiment and sweetening agent in North America. The most notable quality of this plant is its bright leaves, which turn deep red during fall.

Field maple vs. Tartarian maple: What's The Difference?

Field maple (Acer campestre) is a deciduous flowering plant species native to continental Europe and western Asia. Field maple grows in plains, hills and along rivers. This species is grown as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. Its wood is used to make flooring and musical instruments.

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Key Facts About Tartarian maple

Attributes of Tartarian maple

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Plant Height

5 m

Spread

3 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Color

White

Green

Cream

Fruit Color

Brown

Red

Copper

Burgundy

Stem Color

Green

Red

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Tartarian maple

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Maples, mangos, mahogany, citrus, and allies

Family

Soapberry

Genus

Maples

Species

Tartarian maple (Acer tataricum)

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Distribution Map of Tartarian maple

Tartarian maple is a resilient plant that thrives in temperate regions. Naturally occurring across the broad expanse of Europe and Asia, it has adapted to a variety of climates within its native range. While these continents are its primary habitat, tartarian maple has also been introduced and cultivated in other temperate areas around the globe where it continues to propagate.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Tartarian maple

A Comprehensive Guide to Tartarian maple How to Grow and Care for Tartarian maple