Purpleblow Maple

A small deciduous tree from the forests of northern China, Korea, and the Amur region of Siberia, growing slowly to 20 to 30 feet with a rounded, dense canopy. Leaves are 7 to 10 cm wide with 5 to 7 triangular-shaped lobes, dark green above and paler below. New leaves emerge with a distinctive purple tint (hence the common name purpleblow maple), and the petiole exudes milky sap when broken. Bark is tinged with purple on young stems, becoming rough and fissured with age. Flowers are yellow-green in upright 6 to 8 cm corymbs in April. Samaras are 3 to 4 cm, spreading at about 90 degrees. Fall color is red and yellow.

Hardy to Zone 4a. Full sun to part shade. Moist, adaptable soils (pH 4.5 to 8.5). Slow growth. Low maintenance. Tolerates drought once established. Used as a street tree in its native China. Three cultivars, all hybrids with A. platanoides: 'Keithsform' (Norwegian Sunset, Zone 4b), 'Warrenred' (Pacific Sunset, Zone 4b), and 'JFS-KW187', all on the focus list. Nineteen diseases and eleven pests documented. At 20 to 30 feet, it occupies the size range between Japanese maple and red maple.