Shantung Maple
acer truncatum
Also known as: ["Pentaphylla Maple","Five-leaved Maple"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to China, known for its distinctive five-lobed leaves and vibrant autumn colors.
Benefits & Perks
["seasonal color change","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Acer |
| Botanical Name: | Acer truncatum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, prefers sheltered spots from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if rejuvenation is required.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight in spring/summer, partial shade in intense summer heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; monitor for sunburn signs.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Test soil pH annually; amend with organic matter; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; tolerates cold winters; prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth.
Monitor microclimates; protect from frost; adjust care based on seasonal temperature shifts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in winter
Fertilize before new growth emerges; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; reduce feeding in fall/winter.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer; seed propagation is also viable but slower.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; autumn for seeds after fruit ripening.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or coarse sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination takes 1–3 months with stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, heating mat.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent material; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to control size; selective removal of crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the tree, remove dead/diseased wood, encourage airflow, maintain size and form.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, make clean cuts, remove suckers, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are present.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in new pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, allow to drain.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; necessary to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil mix, trim roots if crowded, position plant correctly, water well.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress; stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows; potential dieback of young shoots in severe cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from harsh winds; move container plants to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Wilting despite moist soil; leaf scorch; reduced flowering or leaf drop.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use evaporative cooling methods like misting.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose appropriate fertilizer, apply at correct dilution, time application with growth phases, avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they consume the seeds of Acer truncatum. The cyanogenic glycosides present can cause mild toxicity, particularly in larger amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Acer truncatum can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. Symptoms are typically mild unless large quantities are ingested.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Acer truncatum contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon digestion. Ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort or mild systemic effects, particularly in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Acer truncatum suitable for small gardens?
A: Yes, it can be pruned to maintain a smaller size, but it naturally grows into a medium-sized tree.
Q: Does it produce any edible parts?
A: The seeds are sometimes used in traditional medicine, but they are not commonly consumed as food.
Q: How fast does it grow?
A: It has a moderate growth rate, typically gaining about 1-2 feet per year in ideal conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
