Acer truncatum, the Shantung maple, Shandong maple, or purpleblow maple, is a maple native to northern China, in the provinces of Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Jiangsu, Jilin, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, and to Korea.It is a medium-sized deciduous tree growing to 15 metres (49 ft) tall with a broad, rounded crown. The bark is smooth on young trees, becoming shallowly ridged with age. The leaves are opposite, palmately lobed with five lobes, 5 centimetres (2.0 in) to 12 centimetres (4.7 in) long and 7 centimetres (2.8 in) to 11 millimetres (0.43 in) broad, with a 3 centimetres (1.2 in) to 10 millimetres (0.39 in) petiole; the lobes are usually entire, but occasionally with a pair of teeth on the largest central lobe, and the margin is often wavy. The petiole bleeds a milky latex when broken. The flowers are in corymbs, yellow-green with five petals 5 millimetres (0.20 in) to 7 millimetres (0.28 in) long; flowering occurs in early spring. The fruit is a double samara with two winged seeds, the seeds are disc-shaped, slightly flattened, 13 millimetres (0.51 in) to 18 millimetres (0.71 in) across. The wings are 2 centimetres (0.79 in) long, widely spread, approaching a 180° angle. The bark is greenish-grey, smooth in young trees, becoming shallowly grooved in mature.It is closely related to, and often difficult to distinguish from, Acer amplum, Acer cappadocicum, and Acer pictum subsp. mono, which replace it further south and west in China, and in Japan. From Acer cappadocicum it is best distinguished by the shoots which turn brown by their first winter, not remaining green for several years. From Acer mono (syn. A. pictum auct. non Thunb.) it is best distinguished by the larger, thicker (less flattened) seeds. Acer truncatum is very unusual among maples in showing hypogeal germination.
The Shandong maple is resistant to disease and is usually not susceptible to illnesses. As for care, this species is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only light watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. The Shandong maple is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, like a garden or deck, and does not demand much caregiving experience.
How to keep Acer Truncatum.
Light
Shandong maple grows best with plenty of sunlight, though it can adjust to lower light conditions. Its native habitat is rich in sun, which promotes its healthy development. However, care is necessary because excessive exposure can be harmful, while insufficient light may lead to stunted growth.
Water
The Shandong maple thrives best in a moist environment, similar to its natural woodland habitat. Once it is well-established, it can tolerate moderate drought, although it prefers to be watered regularly every two weeks. Primarily grown outdoors, the Shandong maple demonstrates resilience during the growing season by efficiently utilizing water to maintain its foliage.
Temperature
Shandong maple is native to a climate with temperatures ranging from 32 to 90 °F (0 to 32 ℃). As a versatile plant, it copes well with varying temperatures through the seasons, but may need extra care in extreme conditions.
Fertilizer
Timing matters when fertilizing a Shandong maple. Apply fertilizer in early spring and repeat monthly up to early summer. The fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and supplies energy both during dormancy and in periods of active growth.
Pruning
Pruning Shandong maple trees in early spring offers several benefits. By removing dead or diseased branches and thinning out crowded areas, you enhance air circulation and light penetration. This process encourages vigorous growth, helps the tree maintain its natural shape, and supports healthier development, resulting in more vibrant foliage.
Toxicity
Humans and other animals are not poisoned by the Shantung maple. However, if consumed in high quantities, it may cause stomach discomfort. Furthermore, maples are often recognized as very harmful to horses. Trees should never be planted by homeowners who have any of these animals. They are much too hazardous in the presence of the impoverished cattle.
Further reading →
The toxicity and danger assessments provided are for reference only. We do not assure their accuracy, so it's crucial not to depend on them. Seek professional advice when necessary for accurate guidance.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Acer
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 3-8
- Mature Height
- 7.92 m to 10.06 m
- Mature Spread
- 4.57 m to 6.1 m
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 7.62 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early spring, Mid spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Native Area
- China
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Shandong maple in the best way?
To promote excellent root development, place a garden hose at the base of the plant. Avoid spraying the leaves directly and note that outdoor plants in direct sunlight may require additional watering for their leaves. You can also use bubblers or soaker hoses to moisten the roots of each plant. When adding or removing plants, utilize soaker hoses that cover the entire garden or bed to encourage deep root growth. After watering, make sure to drain any excess water and wait for the soil to dry before watering again. Water at ground level to prevent diseases. On a sunny day, consider spraying the entire bush with water. Whether potted or in-ground, keep in mind that the Shandong maple prefers deep watering rather than light sprinkling.
Why is it necessary to put fertilizer on my Shandong maple tree?
Regular fertilization is important for the overall health of your Shandong maple, regardless of its type. Providing the right nutrients will promote vigorous growth, making your tree more resilient to tough conditions and better able to fight off diseases and pests. Since the foliage of your Shandong maple is its most attractive feature, it's crucial to maintain it. This involves following a regular fertilization schedule tailored to your specific tree. By doing so, you can expect richly colored leaves and a lush appearance.
How many hours of sunlight does Shandong maple need each day to grow well?
To ensure healthy growth, it is important to provide at least 3-6 hours of sunlight per day for the Shandong maple. This is the minimum requirement, as most plants that can tolerate partial sunlight can also thrive in full sunlight. However, since they require less light for photosynthesis, they are more adaptable than plants that need either full sunlight or partial shade.
What is the best temperature for Shandong maple to grow?
Shandong maple thrives best in temperatures between 65~80℉(18~27℃). During the primary growing phase, it can tolerate temperatures as high as 95℉(35℃) and as low as 15℉(-10℃). This species is able to survive freezing winters and is tolerant of low temperatures. The ideal temperature range is 65~80℉(18~27℃), with the highest tolerable range being 85~95℉(30~35℃), and the lowest range being -5~15℉(-20~-10℃) or below.
If I give the Shandong maple tree too much or too little water, what should I do?
An overwatered Shandong maple can show signs of yellowing, wilting, and dropping leaves. The plant may also appear dull and unhealthy, with mushy stems. It is important to adjust your watering schedule when these signs start to appear. Wilting can also indicate under watering, which is characterized by crispy and dry leaves. In such cases, check the soil for dryness and if watering alone is not sufficient, give the plant a thorough watering. Although sufficient water will help the Shandong maple recover, it may still exhibit dryness and yellowing leaves for a few days due to the damaged root system. Once it returns to normal, the yellowing of the leaves will cease. When keeping the Shandong maple indoors, always check the moisture levels in the pot and avoid overwatering. Look out for signs of black spots, and if present, allow the soil to dry out by refraining from watering for a few days. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so if you observe discolored and slimy roots, consider transferring the plant to a different pot. Always prevent root rot by avoiding excessively soggy soil. When planting the Shandong maple outdoors, ensure that the soil is adequately moist. If the soil feels too dry when checking with your fingers, it may indicate under watering. Proper watering is essential to help the plant recover.
When should I fertilize my Shandong maple tree?
To ensure healthy growth, fertilize your Shandong maple for the first time in late winter or early spring. This will provide the necessary nutrients when the weather starts to warm up. Additionally, if you live in a warm climate region, it is beneficial to provide another round of fertilizer in early fall. This will not only give your Shandong maple the nutrients it needs for the next growing season, but it will also help it better withstand the cold winter without any damage to its foliage. Fertilizing earlier in the fall ensures that new branches have enough time to grow and become more resistant to the winter cold.
What kind of sunlight does the Shandong maple tree require?
Shandong maple thrives with full or partial sun exposure. It prefers direct morning light, but requires protection from intense afternoon sun during the summer. Excessive hot afternoon sun in temperate environments can lead to leaf burns, which can harm the plant's appearance and overall health.
Do I need to change the temperature for Shandong maple at different stages of growth?
Research has shown that Shandong maple experiences stunted growth when exposed to prolonged periods of high temperatures, particularly during the development of axillary buds and the growth of main shoots. To ensure healthy growth after germination or transplanting, it is recommended to maintain consistent and cooler temperatures, around 65℉ (18℃).
How often do I need to water my Shandong maple tree?
The Shandong maple prefers to be watered deeply and less often. If planted in pots, it's important to soak them in a gallon of water each time to account for their limited water storage. In cold regions, watering should be done every 3 to 5 days, preferably in the morning when the soil is dry. Check the soil regularly to determine if watering is needed - if the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry, give the plant a full watering. In hot weather, check the moisture daily as the soil in the pot can dry out quickly. For garden irrigation, a weekly watering may be sufficient in hot climates, but be sure to only water when the soil is about 2-3 inches dry. Take rainfall into consideration and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Shandong maple trees generally grow during spring and fall, so adding a layer of mulch 3 to 4 inches deep when they are outdoors will help retain moisture. Sandy soil requires more frequent watering due to its fast drainage, while clay soil requires less frequent watering to avoid root rot. Mark the date on your calendar when watering to keep track, and be aware that drooping leaves may indicate a slight delay in watering.
When is it best to not fertilize my Shandong maple?
There are a few times during the year when you should not fertilize your Shandong maple. The first time is in early and mid-winter when the tree is dormant and doesn't need feeding. It's also not a good idea to fertilize it in late spring and summer when the weather is hotter and drier. Fertilizing during these times can have a negative impact on the tree. To avoid problems, stick to a fertilization schedule of feeding in early spring and early fall.
Can the sun harm Shandong maple trees? How can I keep Shandong maple trees safe from the sun and heat?
Shandong maple plants, when moved outdoors, can get easily damaged by direct sunlight. To prevent sunburns from overexposure, the best approach is to gradually move pots from a shaded area to a brighter spot. However, plants acclimated to the summer sun can still be harmed by extreme heat. During a heatwave, it is crucial to ensure that the soil remains consistently moist, allowing plants to handle excessive heat levels. To safeguard sensitive Shandong maple during extreme weather events, consider relocating potted plants to shaded areas in the afternoon or using a shade cloth.
How can I make sure that the Shandong maple stays warm during cold seasons?
If you plan to plant Shandong maple in the ground, it can handle freezing temperatures as long as they don't drop below 15℉(-10℃) during winter. However, if you want to plant it in pots or containers, make sure to protect the roots from the cold. You can do this by wrapping the container in a blanket or bringing it indoors to fully shield it from the winter weather.
