PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; produces more vibrant autumn foliage in full sun, tolerates light shade
Watering
Water deeply when top 5–7 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Extremely cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as -40°C; thrives in temperate to cold climates
Characteristics
- Leaf: Simple, opposite, ovate to cordate with serrated margins; green in summer, turning bright red, orange, or yellow in autumn
- Flower: Clusters of small, creamy-white, fragrant blooms in early spring before full leaf emergence
- Fruit: Paired samaras (winged seeds) that mature in late summer to early autumn
- Stem/Bark: Smooth gray-brown bark on young stems, becoming slightly fissured with age
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; avoid waterlogging
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive leaf growth at the cost of autumn color
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush clean, dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the base of the tree in early spring to support root and stem healthPruning
- Prune in late winter to early spring when dormant to maintain desired shape
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Thin overcrowded stems to encourage better light penetration and more vibrant autumn foliage
- Trim suckers at the base to maintain a tidy growth form
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes resilience and seasonal change; valued for its vibrant autumn foliage in landscape design
Usage: Ornamental tree for gardens, hedges, or street planting; samaras provide food for native birds
