Korean maple (Acer pseudosieboldianum)

The Korean maple is native to the rocky, well-drained soils of the mixed forests of Korea and northeastern China. It reaches a height of between 5 to 7 meters and 3 to 6 meters wide in ideal conditions in our latitudes. The Korean maple (Acer pseudosieboldianum) has rounded leaves cut into 9 to 11 deep lobes that have a texture very similar to those of Japanese maples (Acer nipponicum). However, its hardiness is much better in Quebec. Hardy in zone 4, it could probably survive winters in zone 3, in a site that suits it well buried under snow.

The light filtered by the tall trees suits it perfectly. Even so, when grown in sunny, windy conditions, its foliage shows only minimal burn. Those willing to sacrifice the flamboyant spectacle of its fall coloring can even use it in dense shade.

In spring, its large buds as well as its young branches are covered with a whitish, slightly sticky bloom. From these buds light green leaves are born, covered with silky white down. Immediately afterwards, drooping corymbs of creamy yellow flowers coated with purple sepals appear. They are followed by pretty purple-brown samaras, 3 cm long, whose wings form an angle of about 120˚.

In autumn, the foliage changes from dark green to bright red and bright orange. It turns colored a little before mid-October and falls just before the first days of November. In partly sunny conditions, we are treated to a colorful spectacle! This small tree with a slender to flared shape is becoming better known to urban gardeners looking for disease-resistant and shade-tolerant trees.