Plant Description and General Appearance
Acer truncatum, commonly known as the Purpleblow Maple, is a deciduous tree from the maple family (Aceraceae). This tree species has a rounded or oval-shaped canopy and is known for its beautiful, bright-green to dark-green leaves, which turn a fiery burgundy-red in autumn.
The tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and 25 feet wide, with a greyish brown fissured bark. It has small, yellowish flowers that bloom in the spring and summer and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The fruit of the tree is winged and shaped like a samara, and it ripens from September to October.
Origin
Acer truncatum is native to China, where it is commonly found in the northern regions of Shaanxi, Shanxi, Hebei, and Henan.
Common Names
Aside from Purpleblow Maple, this tree species is also commonly known as Shantung Maple, Truncated Maple, Chinese Maple, and Purpleblow Fullmoon Maple.
Uses
Acer truncatum has several uses and benefits. Its timber is used for furniture, tools handles, and musical instruments. The tree's tannin-rich bark is used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, inflammation, and other ailments. The tree's samaras are known to be edible and are used in traditional Chinese medicine as a laxative. Aside from its practical uses, this tree species is also popular in landscaping and adds beauty to urban areas and gardens.
Light Requirements
Acer truncatum thrives in full to partial sunlight. In an ideal setting, it should receive about 6 hours of direct light daily. However, it can grow in shady conditions, which makes it versatile.
Temperature Needs
The tree is native to East Asia, and it can cope with high temperatures, but it requires some levels of cold to thrive. It grows best in USDA zones 4 to 8. Temperatures of between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (24°C) are ideal during the growing season, while temperatures ranging from 32°F (0°C) to 45°F (7°C) are suitable during dormancy.
Soil Requirements
Acer truncatum grows in most soil types. However, it requires soil that's rich in organic matter and well-draining. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.5 and 7.0. It's essential to note that the tree doesn't tolerate waterlogged soils, and hence, if the soil is poorly drained, it needs to be amended before planting.
Cultivation
The Acer truncatum is a deciduous tree that grows well in fertile, well-draining soil. It prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils and can grow in urban environments.
Watering Needs
Acer truncatum prefers evenly moist soil but can withstand periods of drought once established. The tree should be watered deeply once or twice a week during the hot summer months, and less often during the cooler months. Ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged.
Fertilization
The tree should be fertilized one or two times a year with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth. It is best to fertilize in early spring before any new growth appears and again in the fall after leaf drop. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the tree.
Pruning
Acer truncatum requires little pruning during the growing season. Any damaged, diseased, or dead branches can be removed as needed. Light pruning may be done in the late winter or early spring to shape the tree and remove any awkward branches. Hard pruning should be avoided, as it may lead to an excessive growth response from the tree.
Propagation of Acer truncatum
Acer truncatum, commonly known as Shantung maple, can be propagated through various methods including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds of Acer truncatum can be collected in the autumn and sown immediately. The seeds require stratification for about 3-4 months at a temperature of 33-41°F (-1-+5°C) to break dormancy. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in well-drained soil with good moisture retention. The seedlings will emerge in the spring.
Propagation by cuttings
Acer truncatum can be propagated by softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, and hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken in the late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and placed in a well-drained rooting medium. Semi-hardwood cuttings should be taken in mid- to late-summer. Hardwood cuttings should be taken in the winter and stored in moist sand until spring.
Propagation by grafting
Acer truncatum can be grafted onto rootstocks of other maple trees. The preferred method of grafting is whip and tongue grafting, which involves joining the scion (desired variety) and rootstock at a diagonal with a tongue-shaped cut on each.
Disease Management for Acer truncatum
Acer truncatum, commonly known as Shantung maple, is usually healthy and disease-resistant. However, there are still a few diseases that may affect the tree under certain conditions. These include:
- Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease causes wilting, yellowing, and death of branches. It is often associated with stress, drought, or root damage. Management options include cultural practices such as watering during dry periods and removing infected branches.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on leaves and stem cankers. It is usually not serious but can affect the overall appearance of the tree. Management options include raking up fallen leaves, pruning infected branches, and applying fungicide if necessary.
- Tar spot: This fungal disease causes raised black spots on leaves and can affect the appearance of the tree. It is usually not serious and does not require management.
Pest Management for Acer truncatum
There are also a few pests that may affect Acer truncatum. These include:
- Japanese beetle: These beetles chew on the leaves of the tree, causing skeletonization. Management options include handpicking the beetles off the tree, using insecticidal soap, or applying a systemic insecticide.
- Cottony maple scale: These insects suck sap from the tree, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves. Management options include removing heavily infested branches, spraying the tree with horticultural oil, or introducing natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Borers: These insects bore into the trunk of the tree, causing wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the tree. Management options include removing infested branches, keeping the tree healthy with proper watering and fertilization, and applying an insecticide if necessary.
Regular monitoring of the tree for signs of disease or pest infestations is important for effective management. Proper cultural practices, such as watering and fertilization, can also help keep the tree healthy and less susceptible to pests and diseases.
