Culture
Easily grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Performs well in full sun or bright, sun-dappled locations. Some tolerance for drought. More tolerant of hot summer climates compared to Acer tataricum. Hardy in Zones 4-8.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Acer tataricum, commonly called Tatarian maple, typically grows as a small, upright spreading tree with a dense, rounded crown or as a large multi-stemmed shrub. It matures over time to 15-20’ tall. It is native to forested areas from western Asia to southeastern Europe. Unlobed, broad-ovate, medium green leaves (to 4” long) with irregular doubly serrate margins are found on mature trees. Leaves on young trees are often 3 lobed. Leaves turn yellow and red in fall. Greenish-white flowers in erect, long-peduncled panicles bloom in spring. Flowers are followed by winged samaras (to 1” long) that turn a showy red in summer/fall as they mature.
Subspecies semenovii, commonly called Turkestan shrub maple, differs from the species mainly in its native range, growth habit, and foliage characteristics. It is found only in central Asia, including northern Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and western Xinjiang, China. It is commonly found in wooded thickets or open, rocky slopes and river valleys up to around 8,000' in elevation. This plant will reach 13' tall with a shrubby, densely branched growth habit. The leaves have a slightly leathery texture and will reach only 0.5-1" long and 0.5-1.25" wide. Synonymous with Acer semenovii.
Genus name is the Latin name for a maple tree.
The specific epithet tataricum refers to certain areas of Siberia and Mongolia (Tatary) that were invaded and occupied in the Middle Ages by the Tatars.
The infraspecific epithet semenovii honors Petr Semenov-Tian-Shansky (1827-1914), Russian geographer, explorer, and statistician. He conducted two expeditions into the Tien Shan mountains of central Asia, then largely uncharted by western scientists, where he studied the plants and geology of the region.
The common name Turkestan shrub maple refers to part of the native range of this species.
Problems
Verticillium wilt, stem canker, leaf spots, tar spot and anthracnose may appear. Watch for aphids, borers, scale, leafhoppers, caterpillers and mites. May pose the same escape risks as Acer tataricum.