Description
Latin Name: Acer mandshuricum
DESCRIPTION
Family: Aceraceae
Native Range: Northeast China, Korea, and Eastern Siberia
Seed Source: Selected trees from a seed collection expedition to Northeast China
Height and Spread: 10m x 5m (25 years)
Overview: This rare maple from the mountain forests of China forms a small tree whose 3-parted leaves become a flame of red early in autumn. The 'Maoershan' seed strain was collected during a seed expedition to Heilongjiang Province of China in 1991. The selected trees were growing in a mountainous region near the North Korean border with China. The strain is named after the region in Northeast China where the seed was collected.
Fruits: A samara consisting of two oval carpels lined at the base and each terminating in a broad membranous wing.
Average number of seeds/packet: 60
SEED TREATMENT / SOWING
Stratification: Stratify in moist sand at 20°C for 120 days followed by 5°C for 120 days.
Ideal sowing time: Spring (stratified seed) or fall (non-stratified)
Sowing instructions: Sow 2 cm deep, 50 seeds/meter; Greenhouse - sow 4 seeds per cell. Note: Low germination capacity (30-40 %).
Growing conditions: Best growth on medium-textured soils with soil pH 7.0 to 8.0. Fertilization is not required.
AGROFORESTRY VALUE
'Maoershan' Manchurian maple is best used in landscape settings, it is not well-suited for shelterbelts or exposed sites. Hardy to Zone 3.
