Tatarian Maple
acer tataricum
Also known as: ["Tatar Maple","Tartarian Maple"]
Overview
A deciduous tree or large shrub native to central and southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, known for its attractive foliage and small, fragrant flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Acer |
| Botanical Name: | Acer tataricum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a location sheltered from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged soils.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loam with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives in fertile conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done anytime.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; avoid heavy clay; enrich with organic matter for fertility.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cold but may struggle in extreme heat.
Protect from frost; water deeply before cold snaps; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength; avoid nitrogen-heavy formulas.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer; seeds in autumn after cold stratification.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; autumn for seeds.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; well-draining seed starting mix for seeds.
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, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to reduce height; selective branch removal.
Pruning Plan
Shape the tree, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage airflow; prune to maintain desired size and form.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers, pruning saw, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; make clean cuts; remove crossing branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim rootbound roots; replace with fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown specimens.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage holes; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
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; allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; topdress with organic mulch.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in cold stress; wilting or chlorosis in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may drop or turn brown; growth may slow or halt; young plants are more susceptible to frost damage.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with burlap in severe cold; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, or premature leaf drop; reduced vigor and flowering in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil nutrients; apply sparingly; water after fertilizing; monitor for signs of burn.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing; reduce or stop feeding in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAcer tataricum is not toxic to cats. Ingestion of the seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation, but severe toxicity is unlikely.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicThe Tatarian maple is not considered toxic to dogs. However, ingestion of the seeds may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to their indigestible nature.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAcer tataricum, commonly known as Tatarian maple, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of the seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals due to their high fiber content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Acer tataricum grow?
A: It typically reaches 15–20 feet in height, though it can grow taller under ideal conditions.
Q: Does Tatarian Maple produce fruit?
A: Yes, it produces small, winged samaras that are attractive to birds.
Q: Is Acer tataricum suitable for urban environments?
A: Yes, it is relatively tolerant of urban conditions and pollution.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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