Maple
Fire Dragon
Acer truncatum
A Shantung Maple selection combining the species' exceptional heat and drought tolerance with striking red-orange new spring growth that matures to green through summer before a strong fall color display. As a truncatum-type maple, it is notably more tolerant of hot, dry, and alkaline conditions than many Acer palmatum cultivars, making it a dependable performer in tougher Texas planting sites.
Growing Specifications
- Height
- Variable with age and site conditions
- Spread
- Variable with age and site conditions
- Watering
- Moderate during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature
- Light
- Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Heat Tolerance
- Elite; Shantung Maples are among the most heat- and drought-tolerant maples available
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Soil Requirement
- Highly adaptable, including alkaline clay soils common throughout North Texas
North Texas Micro-climate Notes
As a Shantung Maple, this specimen tolerates North Texas heat, alkaline clay, and sun exposure considerably better than the collection's more delicate Acer palmatum cultivars, requiring comparatively little special site preparation.
Care Instructions
Plant in well-draining soil where possible, though this species tolerates a wide range of conditions including alkaline clay. Water deeply during establishment; reduce watering as the tree matures and establishes drought tolerance.
Landscape Usage
Effective as a tougher, more sun-tolerant maple specimen for open planting sites where a Japanese maple would require significant afternoon shade protection.
Fun Fact
Acer truncatum selections like this one are frequently used as tough, heat-tolerant alternatives to Japanese maples in the harshest parts of Texas, where straight Acer palmatum cultivars often struggle without significant afternoon shade protection.
