Tatarian Maple

Acer tataricum

Physical Characteristics

Acer tataricum is a deciduous Tree growing to 9 m (29ft 6in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S.E. Europe, W. Asia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Sap Seed Edible Uses: Sweetener The sap contains a certain amount of sugar and can either be used as a drink, or can be concentrated into a syrup by boiling off the water[74]. The syrup is used as a sweetener on many foods. The concentration of sugar is considerably lower than in the sugar maples (A. saccharum). The tree trunk is tapped in the early spring, the sap flowing better on warm sunny days following a frost. The best sap production comes from cold-winter areas with continental climates. Seed - cooked[105, 177]. The wings are removed and the seeds are then boiled[2].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known