How to identify Shandong maple (Acer truncatum)
Shandong maple is a medium-sized deciduous tree reaching heights of 20-25 feet (6-7.6 meters). It is characterized by a rounded, spreading canopy and a distinctive leaf shape. The leaves are palmate with five lobes, each lobe with a truncated tip, which is a defining feature. In autumn, the foliage transforms into a striking display of yellow to red colors. Its smooth gray bark adds a subtle charm to its overall appearance.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Tree
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Distinctive palmate leaves with five lobes and truncated tips.
Small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters with 5 petals and lack of scent.
Winged double samaras forming a 90-degree angle for seed dispersal.
Smooth, reddish-brown stem with glabrous surface and lens-shaped pores.
Trunk starts purple, ages to gray-brown with deeply fissured bark.
The leaves of shandong maple are 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 cm) long, opposite, and simple, featuring 5 distinct lobes with 2 spurs on the basal lobes pointing towards the petiole base. They turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall. When the leaf stems are broken, they exude a milky sap. The leaf surfaces are typically smooth, with prominent veins extending from a central point.
Shandong maple flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and grouped in clusters appearing in April and May. Each bloom is about 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter with five petals. The arrangement features both male and female flowers on the same plant, typically lacking a strong scent. These clusters form at the ends of branches, making them more noticeable during the flowering period.
The stem of shandong maple is moderate in thickness, exhibiting a lustrous, reddish-brown color. It is glabrous, meaning smooth and hairless, with slight lenticelling, or small lens-shaped breathing pores. The leaf scars on the stem meet at a point, which is a distinguishing feature. The overall appearance is sleek and slightly reflective, aiding in the identification of this plant. Branching is typically moderate, contributing to its structural characteristics.
The fruit of shandong maple is a distinctive winged double samara, with each pair forming roughly a 90-degree angle. These winged fruits are typically about 1.5 inches (roughly 3.8 cm) in size. The samaras are known for their papery texture and are integral to the plant’s seed dispersal. They mature to a color that may vary from green to tan as the season progresses. The wings aid in the wind-driven journey of the seeds, ensuring they are carried away from the parent plant for germination.
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Scientific Classification of Shandong maple
