Acer ginnala (ay’-sir ji-nae’-la)
Family: Sapindaceae, Soapberry
Key Steps
- 1a – Opposite leaf arrangement on stem — go to 2
- 2a – Leaf simple — go to 3
- 3a – Leaves are lobed — go to 4
- 4b – No milky sap — go to 5
- 5b – Margins of lobes are toothed — go to 7
- 7a – Three to five lobes — go to 8
- 5b – Margins of lobes are toothed — go to 7
- 4b – No milky sap — go to 5
- 3a – Leaves are lobed — go to 4
- 2a – Leaf simple — go to 3
Description
Leaf: Margins double toothed. 3-7 main veins. Red-orange autumn foliage early, for a short time.
Bud: Small, reddish-brown, several scales. Usually solitary. Shiny.
Leaf Scar: Horizontal line across stem, connecting narrow crescent-shaped leaf scars.
Stem: Thin, gray, hairless.
Bark: Grayish-brown.
Pith: Round, solid, pale.
Flower: Yellow-white, fragrant, small panicles. Blooms as the leaves appear.
Fruit: Double samara. Wings nearly parallel, in clusters. Fruit stalk may persist through winter.
Habit: Small ornamental tree or shrub. Either multi-stemmed and dense or may have a single trunk. Rounded canopy. 20 feet tall or less.
Culture: Does better with slightly acidic soil conditions and moderate to high moisture. Prefers full sun but tolerates part shade.
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