Hot Wings® Tatarian Maple Tree

HOT WINGS® Tatarian maple (*Acer tataricum* 'GarAnn') is a small ornamental tree best known for vivid red samaras that hold their color for about six weeks, followed by orange-red and yellow autumn foliage. Discovered at Fort Collins Wholesale Nursery and promoted by Plant Select, it forms an upright, rounded, outward-spreading crown with strong branch unions. ## Landscape Use Allow room for a crown roughly 15–18 ft wide. Plant Select gives a 15–18 ft height and spread, while the cultivar's patent description records a 12-year-old tree at about 5.5 m high by 6 m wide; [NVK Nurseries](https://www.nvknurseries.com/plant/Acer-tataricum-Hot-Wings-GarAnn) lists a larger 7–8 m height and 6–7 m spread. Use these as planning ranges rather than a fixed mature size. It works as a small specimen tree where the red midsummer fruit and fall color can be seen. ## Seasonal Interest Leaves emerge green. Yellow-white to greenish-white flowers appear in spring, then red winged samaras create the standout summer display; the leaves turn orange-red to yellow in fall. The [Plant Select profile](https://plantselect.org/plant/acer-tataricum-garann-pp-15-023/) lists full sun to part sun, clay/loam/sandy soil, and moderate-to-dry water needs. ## Siting and Cultivar Record The exact cultivar is 'GarAnn', sold as HOT WINGS®. U.S. Plant Patent PP 15,023 issued July 20, 2004. The [patent record](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP15023P2/en) describes its origin and distinguishing fruit and branching traits. ## Maintenance Plant Select advises checking for seedlings and pulling volunteers, since the tree can produce them. Trim basal suckers in summer if they occur, and brush snow off the crown during heavy snowstorms; otherwise, use selective structural pruning only as needed.