Shantung Maple - Acer truncatum

Shantung Maple - Acer truncatum

Acer truncatum is a refined, deciduous maple delivering bold seasonal colour, exceptional heat tolerance, and a composed canopy structure. At advanced sizes, it brings immediate presence and year-round visual interest to any serious landscape project.

Why Shantung Maple

Reliable autumn colour: Consistent seasonal display of red, orange, and yellow across the full canopy.
Heat and drought tolerance: Among the most climate-resilient maples available, well suited to Australia's warmer regions.
Polished summer foliage: Deep, glossy green leaves maintain a refined appearance through the growing season.
Balanced canopy structure: Develops a naturally symmetrical form with strong branching, minimal corrective pruning required.
Urban-grade durability: Performs under challenging conditions including wind exposure, pollution, and variable soils.

Ideal Applications

Formal feature specimen: Anchors a design with seasonal drama and year-round structure.
Avenue and boulevard planting: Uniform habit and resilience make it a preferred choice for repetitive formal plantings.
Canopy shade tree: Provides measured, cooling shade over lawns and outdoor living areas without overwhelming the surrounding landscape.
Commercial and civic landscapes: A dependable performer in high-expectation, high-traffic environments.

Specimen & Installation

Spacing (feature/avenue): 6–8m
Planting Season: Autumn to early spring
Soil & Drainage: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; tolerates clay and alkaline conditions once established
Establishment Care: Water deeply and regularly for the first two to three years until the root system is well established. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch clear of the trunk.

Plant Details

Height: 6–10m
Width: 5–8m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage: Deciduous
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Native to: China, Korea, Japan
Flower Colour: Yellow-green