Amur Maple 'Flame' (Acer ginnala): Brilliant Fall Color in a Compact Package

The Amur Maple 'Flame' (Acer ginnala 'Flame') delivers some of the most intense autumn color of any small tree—fiery scarlet to orange-red that lives up to its name. This cold-hardy, adaptable cultivar is a top choice for residential landscapes, screens, and even bonsai.

Seasonal Highlights

In spring, fragrant pale yellow flowers appear with the leaves. Summer brings glossy, three-lobed green foliage. But autumn is the star: 'Flame' ignites earlier and more vividly than the species, often holding color for weeks. Winter reveals smooth gray bark and persistent samaras (winged seeds).

Botanical Details

• Family: Sapindaceae
• Genus: Acer
• Species: ginnala
• Cultivar: Flame
• Synonyms: Acer tataricum var. ginnala, Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala, and others

Culture & Uses

'Flame' grows 15–20 feet tall and wide, with a multi-stemmed, rounded habit. It tolerates alkaline soils, drought, and urban pollution. Use as a specimen, hedge, or patio tree. Prune in summer to avoid sap bleed. Few pests bother it, though it can be invasive in some regions—check local guidelines.