TREE OF THE MONTH
By Len Phillips , ASLA Emeritus Trade Name: Norwegian Sunset®
Shantung Maple
Botanical Name: Acer truncatum x platanoides 'Keithsform' Parentage: Hybrid, A. truncatum x A. platanoides, introduced by J. Frank Schmidt & Son in 1989 Family: Aceraceae Year of Introduction: 1989 Plant Patent: #7433 Height: 35 to 40 feet Spread: 25 to 30 feet Form: Upright oval form Flower: Greenish yellow Fruit: Purplish, 1-1/2-inch samara Foliage: Glossy, smooth, 5 lobes, similar to Norway maple shape Spring Color: Purplish-orange new growth Summer Foliage: Dark green and glossy in summer Autumn Foliage: Yellowish-orange to bright red in fall Winter Color: Gray-brown bark and twigs Bark: Deeply ridged straight trunk Habitat: Northern China Culture: Extremely drought tolerant, moderate climate, full to partial sun Hardiness Zone*: 3 to 8 Growth Rate: Moderate, full size in 30 years Pest Resistance: Extremely pest and disease resistant Storm Resistance: Unknown Salt Resistance: Unknown Planting: Transplants readily B&B Pruning: May need lower limbs removed in street tree use Propagating: Cuttings Design Uses: Excellent where a small tough tree is needed Companions: Mulch is the best groundcover under maples Site Requirements: Excellent heat and drought tolerance, grows in most sites Pest Resistance: No problems Other Comments: Upright oval form, excellent street tree, nice branch structure, uniform canopy, similar to Norway maple in form Available From: Most nurseries
* For information about the USDA Hardiness Zone Map, visit www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/index.html
Photos provided by J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. www.arborage.com
These are the personal observations of the author, living in New England — Zone 5b. Len Phillips can be reached via email at lenphillips@on-line-seminars.com.
Arbor Age / July/August 2011 5
