Acer Sect. Ginnala

ginnala

The Amur maple (Acer sect. Ginnala) is a exceptionally hardy, deciduous small tree or large shrub native to northeastern Asia. Celebrated for its remarkable seasonal color transitions, it sports glossy green leaves in the summer that explode into brilliant hues of fiery red and deep orange during the autumn months. It is highly valued in horticulture for its compact size, cold tolerance, and adaptability, making it a favorite for windbreaks, urban landscaping, and bonsai art. By offering fragrant early-spring blossoms and high-energy seeds in winter, it supports a diverse range of local wildlife.

Habitat: Native to river valleys, forest edges, and open woodlands of East Asia, it also thrives in urban environments, parks, and suburban gardens across North America.

Appearance

Growing as a multi-stemmed large shrub or small tree between 300 to 1000 cm in height, it displays a rounded, dense canopy. Its leaves are oppositely arranged and deeply three-lobed, with the central lobe being significantly longer than the side lobes, featuring sharply double-serrated margins. In spring, it produces small, fragrant, greenish-yellow flowers in long-peduncled panicles, which later develop into distinctively reddish-brown winged samaras about 2 to 3 cm long.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilySapindaceaeGenusAcer

Acer Sect. Ginnala

Interesting facts

The leaves of this maple contain a high concentration of tannins, which historically have been used to produce a dark black dye for textiles.

The specific section name 'ginnala' is derived from a local Russian vernacular name for this tree in the Amur River region.

Unlike most other maple species whose flowers are nearly scentless, the blossoms of the Amur maple are remarkably fragrant.

Special abilities

Survives winter temperatures drop as low as -40 degrees Celsius, allowing it to thrive in subarctic climates.

Produces intense red anthocyanin pigments in autumn to protect leaves from light damage while recycling key nutrients.

Develops a highly branched, fibrous root system that efficiently extracts moisture from dry or compacted urban soils.

Measurements & details

Length: 300-1000 cm
Lifespan: 60-100 years

Diet & Feeding

Synthesizes sugars through photosynthesis using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, while absorbing essential macro- and micronutrients through its roots.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon dioxide
Water
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Potassium

Ecological connections

eaten by

Asian Longhorned Beetle

Anoplophora glabripennis

Larvae burrow into the trunk and branches, causing significant structural damage to the tree.

mutualism

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Bees gather nectar and pollen from the highly fragrant spring blossoms, aiding in pollination.

eaten by

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

Birds feed on the winged samaras during late fall and winter, dispersing the seeds over wide distances.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

Acer ginnalaAmur Maple

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Acer Sect. Ginnala?

The easiest way to identify Acer Sect. Ginnala is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Acer Sect. Ginnala?

300-1000 cm

How long does Acer Sect. Ginnala live?

60-100 years

What does Acer Sect. Ginnala eat?

Synthesizes sugars through photosynthesis using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, while absorbing essential macro- and micronutrients through its roots.

Where is Acer Sect. Ginnala usually found?

Native to river valleys, forest edges, and open woodlands of East Asia, it also thrives in urban environments, parks, and suburban gardens across North America.