Embers Amur Maple

‘Embers’ Amur maple (*Acer ginnala* ‘Embers’) is a small deciduous tree or large shrub with glossy, three-lobed leaves, fragrant pale flowers, red winged fruits and scarlet fall foliage. Its 15–20-foot scale and single- or multi-stem form suit a specimen, patio edge, screen or grouped planting. The cultivar is valued for two distinct seasonal color displays, though its seeds can spread into nearby natural areas. ## Landscape use The Dawes Arboretum records a mature size near 20 feet tall and wide after 30 years. It can be trained as a single-trunk tree or left multi-stemmed, making it adaptable as a small shade tree, large shrub, patio specimen or screen. Spring flowers are yellowish white and fragrant; red samaras add color in late summer, followed by scarlet autumn leaves. Dawes also lists group plantings and large above-ground containers among its uses. See the [Dawes Arboretum cultivar record](https://dawesarb.arboretumexplorer.org/taxon-19755.aspx). ## Growing conditions Grow in full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. NC State Extension describes Amur maple as adaptable to soil types and pH, tolerant of wind, dry soil and drought, and hardy across USDA zones 3–8, with best performance in zones 3–6. Water regularly during establishment, then during extended dry periods; medium water availability is a reasonable landscape plan. Regional sources differ slightly on the cultivar’s cold limit, so use local performance when planting near a zone boundary. ## Cultivar and regional spread ‘Embers’ is also known as ‘Gordie’s Select’. Trees and Shrubs Online attributes its selection and introduction by 1989 to Bailey Nursery; [Bailey Nurseries’ catalog](https://www.baileynurseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2019-POP-Order-Form_web.pdf) lists the cultivar, and [Bailey Nurseries’ website](https://www.baileynurseries.com/) provides current company information. The sources reviewed did not identify a plant-patent number for ‘Embers’. Amur maple is invasive in some regions. [University of Minnesota Extension](https://extension.umn.edu/natural-resources/forestry-and-wildlife/invasive-species/amur-maple) says Minnesota sellers must warn buyers to control seedlings and recommends planting at least 100 yards from natural areas. Check local rules and avoid sites where seedlings cannot be managed. ## Maintenance **Moderate maintenance.** Water during establishment and prolonged drought. Prune as needed to develop a sound single-trunk structure or maintain the desired multi-stem shape. Remove volunteer seedlings before they establish, especially near natural areas.