Acer tataricum (ay’-sir ta-ta-reek’-um)
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
            • 8a – Middle lobe twice as long as other lobes — go to 9
              • 9a – Mature leaves unlobed, doubly toothed, stems reddish brown to brown — Tartarian Maple

Description

Leaf: 2-4 inches long; irregular, double-serrated margin. Some leaves lobed, some not. If lobed, middle lobe is longer than two side lobes and wide at base. Medium green. May have hairs on veins beneath. Petiole 1-2 inches long.

Bud: 1/4 inch long, red-brown-black overlapping scales. May be slightly hairy.

Leaf Scar: 3 bundle scars.

Stem: Slender, smooth, red-brown, lenticels visible.

Flower: Greenish-white, blooming in mid-spring.

Fruit: Red samara, parallel wings.

Habit: Small tree or large, bushy shrub.

Culture:Tolerant of dry, alkaline soils.

Resources

• Identifying Broadleaf Flowering Trees and Shrubs, CMG GardenNotes #173
• List of trees in this key
• Glossary of Terms
• Front Range Tree Recommendation List
• Online CSU Extension publications on Tree and Shrub Selection