tree

Shantung Maple

Acer truncatum

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300 inches

Width

240 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived tree

Native To

Northern China, Korea

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer truncatum, the Shantung or Purpleblow Maple, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to northern China and Korea. It is highly regarded for its durability, adaptability to a wide range of soils, and excellent heat and drought tolerance. This species is particularly valued for its beautiful, star-shaped leaves that emerge with a reddish-purple tinge in spring, mature to a glossy dark green, and turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall. It's a tough and attractive alternative to Japanese Maples in harsher climates.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

A highly attractive, four-season tree. It features purplish new growth in spring, glossy green summer leaves, and a spectacular, reliable fall color display of yellow, orange, and red.

Its smaller stature makes it an ideal shade tree for modern, smaller landscapes. Its exceptional tolerance for heat, drought, and a wide range of soils makes it a low-maintenance and resilient choice for tough urban environments.

The early spring flowers provide a nectar source for bees.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location in full sun to part shade with well-drained soil.
It is highly adaptable to various soil types, including clay and alkaline.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Place the tree so the root flare is at or slightly above ground level.
Backfill with the original soil and water thoroughly.
Mulch around the base, but keep it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Its tolerance for alkaline soils makes it a superior choice over many other maples in regions with high pH soils.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly for the first 1-2 years to establish.
Prune to develop a good structure when the tree is young.
Provide a layer of mulch to conserve moisture.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged areas.
Avoid excessive fertilization, which is generally not needed.
Don't prune in spring when maples tend to 'bleed' sap.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent small-scale shade tree for lawnsDurable street tree for urban settingsBeautiful specimen for fall color

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera Geranium macrorrhizum Carex Vinca minor

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Shantung Maple questions

What zones can Shantung Maple grow in?

Shantung Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Shantung Maple deer resistant?

Yes — Shantung Maple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Shantung Maple bloom?

Shantung Maple typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Shantung Maple need full sun?

Shantung Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Shantung Maple drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Shantung Maple handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.