Tatarian Maple

Use Tatarian maple (*Acer tataricum*) as a small shade tree or large multi-stemmed shrub, with spring flowers, summer-to-fall winged fruit, and bright autumn foliage. It is native from eastern-central Europe across temperate Asia and typically reaches 15–30 ft tall and 15–26 ft wide. ## Landscape Use The dense, spreading crown and multi-trunk form suit a specimen planting or a broad mixed border where a modest tree is useful. The leaves are mostly ovate and unlobed, though young trees may have shallow lobes. ## Seasonal Interest Small greenish-white flower clusters appear in spring. Red, paired samaras follow and may remain ornamental through summer and fall; the leaves turn yellow and red in autumn. See the [North Carolina State Extension profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/acer-tataricum/) for the species traits and its regional weediness warning. ## Siting and Soil Plant in full sun or part shade in moist, well-drained soil; clay, loam, and sandy soils are all listed as suitable by the [Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/288/acer-tataricum/details). The species tolerates some drought after establishment. It is native across a broad range, but can naturalize and become invasive in parts of the Midwest, so avoid placing it near natural areas where seedlings cannot be controlled. [Kew recognizes *Acer tataricum* as the accepted species name](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:781526-1). ## Maintenance Routine pruning is usually minimal; remove damaged or crossing branches as needed. Collect fallen leaves and samaras where they would make paths or paved areas untidy, and manage volunteer seedlings in regions where the species spreads.