Description

🍁 Manchurian Maple (Acer mandshuricum)

🌿 Full Product Description

Acer mandshuricum, known as Manchurian Maple, is one of the most elegant and refined trifoliate maples, closely related to Paperbark Maple and Nikko Maple but distinguished by its delicate foliage, smooth bark, and exceptional fall color. Native to northeastern China, Korea, and parts of Russia, this species thrives in cold climates and brings a graceful, airy presence to the landscape.

The leaves are trifoliate—three slender leaflets attached at a single point—giving the tree a light, almost fern‑like texture. Through spring and summer, the foliage is a clean, fresh green that moves beautifully in the wind. In autumn, Manchurian Maple becomes a standout ornamental, turning vivid shades of scarlet, orange, and rose‑pink, often with a watercolor‑like gradient across the canopy.

The bark is smooth and gray when young, gradually developing subtle texture with age. While not as showy as Paperbark Maple, the bark contributes to the tree’s refined winter appearance. Its branching structure is naturally graceful, forming an upright, rounded small tree ideal for gardens that value subtlety and elegance.

Manchurian Maple prefers moist, well‑drained soils and partial sun to full sun. It performs exceptionally well in northern climates and is more cold‑tolerant than many Japanese maples. Its combination of delicate foliage, brilliant fall color, and refined structure makes it a favorite among collectors and woodland gardeners.

Key Features

• Trifoliate leaves with airy, refined texture
• Brilliant fall color in scarlet, orange, and rose tones
• Cold‑hardy and adaptable, ideal for northern landscapes
• Graceful branching with four‑season ornamental value
• Excellent for collectors and woodland gardens

Growth & Habit

• Height: 20–30 ft
• Spread: 15–25 ft
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Form: Upright, rounded small tree

Site Requirements

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Moist, well‑drained loam; dislikes drought
• Moisture: Moderate, consistent moisture preferred

Landscape Uses

• Woodland gardens
• Collector maple plantings
• Japanese‑style landscapes
• Four‑season ornamental borders
• Small specimen tree