Amur Maple

Amur Maple (Acer ginnala)

Brilliant Red Fall Color for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 3–7)

Quick Expert Summary

The Amur Maple (Acer ginnala) is a moderate-growing, cold-hardy tree ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 3–7). It typically grows 1–2 ft per year and reaches 25–35 ft at maturity. Best for small yards, ornamental focal trees, and privacy screens, it offers spectacular red fall foliage and excellent adaptability to urban and varied soil conditions.

Why Choose Amur Maple for Ontario and Eastern Canada?

A highly reliable ornamental maple for cold Canadian climates, valued for its brilliant fall colour and compact size that fits residential landscapes.

• Hardiness: Zone 3 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 3–7)
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Best For: Small yards / Ornament / Privacy hedges
• Maintenance: Low once established
• Key Feature: Brilliant red fall colour and decorative red seed pods
• Native / Non-native: Native to northern Asia; widely planted in cold climates

It adapts well to:

• Sandy soils
• Clay or loamy soils
• Acidic, neutral, or slightly alkaline soils
• Urban conditions and pollution
• Cold winters and moderate drought once established

Tree Specifications

Is Amur Maple Right for Your Yard?

Choose Amur Maple if:

• You want strong fall colour within a few seasons
• You have a small or medium yard
• You live in Zone 3–7
• You want ornamental beauty with manageable size
• You need a tree for a front yard focal point or decorative hedge

Not ideal if:

• Your yard is very small (mature spread up to 20 ft)
• You need a tree for full shade in deep shade
• You are planting too close to foundations or sidewalks

Best Uses

• Small yard shade tree
• Privacy screen or hedge planting
• Ornamental front yard focal tree
• Urban or street tree under power lines
• Wildlife-friendly landscape planting

Amur Maple develops a naturally rounded canopy with dense foliage that provides light shade and visual structure. Its brilliant fall colour and decorative red winged seeds create strong seasonal interest while its compact size fits well into residential landscapes and urban spaces.

What Makes Amur Maple Special?

• Spring: Small fragrant yellowish-white flowers appear in clusters
• Summer: Dense green foliage forms a compact ornamental canopy
• Fall: Leaves turn bright red to orange, one of the most vivid fall displays among small maples
• Winter: Attractive branching structure and persistent seed pods add texture

Winter Survival in Ontario and Eastern Canada

Yes, Amur Maple is hardy in Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 3–7 and tolerates typical Canadian winter conditions including snow load and freezing temperatures.

First-year tip:

• Add 2–3 inches of mulch
• Water deeply before the first hard frost
• Consider wind protection if your site is exposed

Planting Guide for Ontario and Eastern Canada

Best planting time:

• Spring (April–June)
• Early fall (September–October)

Spacing:

• 10–15 ft from foundations
• 15–20 ft between trees (or closer if planting a hedge)

Watering (first year):

• Water deeply once or twice per week during the first growing season
• Adjust based on rainfall and soil drainage

Quick Answers (FAQ)

How fast does Amur Maple grow in Ontario?
Typically about 1–2 ft per year in good conditions.

Is it cold hardy in Ontario?
Yes. It is hardy to Zone 3 and performs very well in Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 3–7.

Does it need another tree for pollination?
No. It produces seeds on its own after flowering.

Are the roots invasive?
No. Roots are generally non-invasive, but planting at least 10–15 ft from buildings is recommended.

Is it messy?
Moderately. It produces small winged seeds (samaras) and seasonal leaf drop in fall.

Compare With Similar Trees

Shipping Across Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces

• Nursery-grown
• Carefully packaged
• Shipped to your door in Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces
• Healthy root system guarantee (if applicable)

Explore Related Collections

• Collection: Shade Trees
• Collection: Privacy Trees
• Collection: Zone 3 Trees
• Collection: Maple Trees

Related articles:

• Best Trees for Small Yards in Ontario
• Top Trees for Fall Colour in Cold Climates