Sneak preview of fall
You can feel the changing of the seasons. The days are getting shorter and kids are going back at school. The peak of the fall colors will be here in a few weeks.
We can get a sneak preview of fall now. The seed pods of tatarian maple are already blazing.
Maples are famous for their fall foliage and tatarian maple (Acer tataricum) is one of the most adaptable maples in our state. It is hardy everywhere and shows moderate tolerance to drought and soil alkalinity. The multi-stemmed shrub/tree grows 15–20 feet tall and wide. ‘Hot Wings’ is popular for its dark green foliage and red samaras (top photo). The foliage turns yellow to red in fall.
The subspecies ginnala and its cultivars are more widely available than A. tataricum. Its leaves are glossier and show brilliant fall color. It is less tolerant of alkaline soils (a flaw of many maples), which may cause the leaves to turn yellow in summer. ‘Flame’ and ‘Embers’ (bottom photo) have fiery red fall color and are popular selections.
Written by Tom Kalb, Extension Horticulturist, North Dakota State University. Published in the NDSU Yard & Garden Report, September 1, 2014. Photos courtesy of Bailey Nurseries, Inc.