Maple
Green Dragon
Acer truncatum
A Shantung Maple selection combining strong structural growth with the species' notable heat and drought tolerance. As a truncatum-type maple, it is considerably more tolerant of hot, dry, and alkaline conditions than many Acer palmatum cultivars, forming a fuller shade canopy with reliable fall color.
Growing Specifications
- Height
- Larger-scale shade form relative to many collector maples
- 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 to Fast
- 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 shade tree for open planting sites where a Japanese maple would require significant afternoon shade protection.
