Acer truncatum aka Shantung Maple

Taxonomy ID: 12930

Acer truncatum, also known as the Shantung maple, Shong maple, or purpleblow maple, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to northern China and. It can reach a height of 15 meters and has a broad, rounded crown. The bark starts off smooth but becomes shallowly ridged with age. The leaves are opposite, palmately lobed with five lobes, ranging from 5 to 12 centimeters in length and 7 to 11 millimeters in width. Occasionally, the largest central lobe may have a pair of teeth, and the margin is often wavy. When the petiole is broken, it releases a milky latex. In early spring, yellow-green flowers appear in corymbs, with five petals measuring 5 to 7 millimeters in length. The fruit consists of a double samara with two winged seeds that are disc-shaped and slightly flattened, ranging from 13 to 18 millimeters in diameter. The wings spread widely, approaching a 180° angle. The bark is greenish-grey and smooth in young trees but becomes shallowly grooved as it matures. This maple species is closely related to Acer amplum, Acer cappadocicum, and Acer pictum subsp. mono, which are found further south and west in China and in Japan. It can be difficult to distinguish between them, but Acer truncatum can be distinguished by its shoots, which turn brown in the first winter instead of remaining green for several years. It also has larger, thicker seeds compared to Acer mono. Acer truncatum is a unique maple species in that it exhibits hypogeal germination. As an ornamental plant, Acer truncatum is cultivated in Europe and North America. There are several cultivars, including the variegated form of 'Akikaze Nishiki' and 'Fire Dragon', which displays vibrant autumn foliage. 'Keithsform' (Norwegian Sunset) is a hybrid between Acer truncatum and Norway Maple. Overall, Acer truncatum is a beautiful tree with glossy green leaves that turn red or yellow in autumn.

Common names

Shantung Maple, Purple Blow Maple, Shandong Maple

More information about Shantung Maple

How difficult is it to take care of Shantung Maple

Shantung Maple requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

What is the region of origin of Shantung Maple

Shantung Maple’s native range is E. Asia - N. China, Korea, Manchuria.

What are the water needs for Shantung Maple

Shantung Maple should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Shantung Maple

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Shantung Maple is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

What is the sunlight requirement for Shantung Maple

To ensure optimal growth, the Shantung Maple prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

How to fertilize Shantung Maple

The growth of Shantung Maple is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Is Shantung Maple toxic to humans/pets?

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

More info:
Wikipedia