Flame Amur Maple

‘Flame’ Amur maple (*Acer ginnala* ‘Flame’) is a deciduous small tree or large shrub with a rounded, spreading crown, fragrant spring flowers, red winged fruits and orange-red to deep red autumn foliage. It grows to about 20 feet tall and wide, making it useful as a specimen or informal screen where there is room for its branches. Its fall color can vary by plant and site, so treat the red display as a strong possibility rather than a guarantee. ## Landscape use The low-branched or multi-stemmed form brings a broad, natural outline to a yard or planting bed. Use it as a small shade tree, a specimen, a patio tree, or an informal screen; it can also be planted in groups or grown in a large above-ground container. Its dense canopy can cast substantial shade, so give nearby sun-loving plants space. Oregon State University lists ‘Flame’ as fast-growing, with long arching branches and orange-red to deep red fall color. See the [Oregon State landscape profile](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/acer-tataricum-subsp-ginnala). ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun or partial shade and in well-drained soil. Amur maple tolerates a broad range of soil types and pH, and established plants withstand dry soil and drought; water new trees regularly while roots establish, then irrigate during extended dry periods. Medium water use is a practical planning rating. The University of Illinois Extension also identifies the species as salt tolerant, but its reference does not distinguish salt in soil from salt spray, so coastal exposure should not be assumed suitable. ## Cultivar and regional notes [J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.](https://jfschmidt.com/all-trees/flame-maple/) sells the cultivar as Flame Maple and describes it as a seed-source selection for improved form and fall color. Its cultivar sheet lists 20 feet tall and wide and USDA zone 2. NC State Extension gives the underlying species a broader range of zones 3–8, with best performance in zones 3–6; local results near zone limits may vary. Colorado State Extension notes that autumn color can vary even among ‘Flame’ trees. Amur maple is invasive in some regions, so check local guidance and watch for volunteer seedlings. No patent identifier was found in the breeder and horticultural references reviewed; this is not a formal patent clearance. ## Maintenance **Moderate maintenance.** Water through establishment and during prolonged drought. Prune in winter or early spring if you want a clear single trunk, or retain the natural multi-stem form. Remove unwanted seedlings where the species can spread, and check local invasive-plant guidance before planting.