Amur maple

Multi-stemmed deciduous tree or shrub in the maple family.

Other names for this plant include:

• Common names: Siberian maple, ginnala maple
• Scientific names: Acer tataricum, Acer ginnala

Classification in Wisconsin: Restricted (all cultivars exempt)

Ecological Threat

• Invades open grasslands, open forests, prairies, forests and field edges.
• Outcompetes native shrubs and understory trees, reducing overall biodiversity.
• Can shade out native species in prairie ecosystems, converting prairie communities to shaded shrubland or woodland.
• United States Forest Service designates this species as invasive in several eastern states with similar climate zones.
• Trees produce abundant, wind-dispersed seeds that germinate readily.
• Trees are tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions, and more drought and shade tolerant than native maples.
• May contain allelopathic chemicals, inhibiting the root development of desired species.

Identification

Leaves & stems: Leaves and stems are opposite, with two leaves per stem node. Leaves are simple with three shallow lobes; bright green turning scarlet red in fall. The bark is grayish-brown and smooth when young, developing furrowed striations with age.

Flowers: Panicle flowers are fragrant and pale yellow-whitish.

Fruits & seeds: Red samara (helicopter) seeds (borne in pairs) have tight-angled almost parallel wings. Samaras travel long distances in the wind and readily germinate.

Similar species: Amur maple can be distinguished from other maples by its narrow leaf shape with three shallow lobes.

Control

Mechanical:

• Amur maple saplings are easily pulled by hand.
• Larger trees can be cut, but do resprout.
• Prescribed fire in prairies can be an effective means of control.

Chemical:

• General herbicide treatments are effective.
• Cut-stump treatment glyphosate and basal bark treatment or frilling with triclopyr are successful.

Resources

Sources for content:

• Invasive Plant Atlas of New England
• Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health; invasive.org
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
• USDA Forest Service

Links for more information:

• Invasive Plant Atlas of New England [exit DNR]
• Invasive.org [exit DNR]
• USDA PLANTS profile [exit DNR]
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources [exit DNR]