Amur Maple

Common Name: Amur Maple
Scientific Name: Acer ginnala Maxim., syn. Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala

Legal Status

Specially Regulated

Any person, corporation, business or other retail entity distributing Amur maple or its cultivars for sale within the state must have information directly affixed to the plant or container packaging that it is being sold with, stating the following: 

“Amur maple should only be planted in areas where the seedlings will be controlled or eradicated by mowing or other means. Amur maple should not be planted closer than 100 yards from natural areas.” 

Background

Amur maple is native to central and northern China, Manchuria, and Japan. It was introduced to North America in the 1860s. 

In the United States, it is present and invasive throughout the Northeast and Midwest. It has been widely sold and planted in Minnesota as an ornamental landscape tree, windbreak, and hedge or screen planting.

Description

• Amur maple is a deciduous large shrub or small tree that grows up to 20 feet and has brilliant red fall color. It may grow in either a multi-stemmed or single-trunk form.
• Leaves are opposite, three-lobed with toothed margins, and longer than they are wide.
• Flowers are fragrant, white, and arranged in loose clusters. Bloom time is April and May when new foliage appears.
• Fruits are red, ¾ to 1 inch long, double-winged samaras typical of maple trees. Each fruit contains two seeds.
• Bark is smooth and gray on young branches and grayish brown on older branches.

Habitat

Amur maple is found in open woodlands, forest edges, disturbed areas, roadsides, and ornamental landscapes. It grows in a wide range of soil types and moisture levels. It tolerates shade and is often planted as a small understory tree.

Means of spread and distribution

Each tree can produce 5,000 or more fruits per year. The seeds are winged samaras that mostly land within 100 meters of the parent tree, but a small portion can be carried long distances by wind or water. 

Various cultivars of Amur maple are produced and sold in Minnesota. They are often planted for their fall color and ability to thrive in a variety of soils, including disturbed urban soils.

Amur maple has been reported in 42 counties in Minnesota, especially in the northeastern part of the state.

Amur maple can produce allelopathic chemicals. It can alter habitats by invading prairies, grasslands, and open woodlands and creating a shrub layer. It will displace native shrubs and understory trees in open woods and shade out other sun-loving native species.

Impact

Amur maple can produce abundant seeds, form dense monocultures, and outcompete other species. This may reduce the number of native species and decrease the quality of the local ecosystem.

Prevention and management

• Follow the label instructions when planting Amur maple. Do not plant it within 100 yards of any natural areas where seedlings would not be controlled.
• A variety of native species can be used as substitutes for Amur maple. Recommendations are available on the Minnesota DNR website.
• Small infestations can be controlled manually by digging and removing the root crowns. Saplings are easily pulled by hand or controlled by mowing.
• Prescribed burning can be an effective method of control for established populations. Make sure to contact the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to learn more about control burning practices and regulations.
• Infestations can also be controlled by cutting trees and treating the stumps with herbicide or basal bark spray treatments. For specific herbicide recommendations, check with your local University of Minnesota Extension agent, co-op, or certified landscape care expert.