Tatarian Maple
Acer tataricum
Tatarian Maple (Acer tataricum) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade.
low to medium water15–25 ft tall and 15–25 ft wideXeric / water-wise
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Acer tataricum
- Variety / cultivar
- Tatarian
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 15–25 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~25 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Fall color
- Red
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)
- Pollinator value
- high
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Watch: SuckersIt throws up shoots from the roots and base, so plan on cutting suckers to keep it from turning into a thicket.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Aphids and honeydew
- Verticillium wilt on some species
- Leaf scorch in hot, dry, windy sites
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Tatarian Maple good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Tatarian Maple is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Tatarian Maple get?
- It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide.
- How much room does Tatarian Maple need?
- Give Tatarian Maple about 25 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Tatarian Maple grow into?
- Tatarian Maple typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Tatarian Maple hardy on the Front Range?
- Tatarian Maple is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Tatarian Maple need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Tatarian Maple grow?
- Tatarian Maple is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Tatarian Maple live?
- Tatarian Maple has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Tatarian Maple turn in fall?
- Tatarian Maple turns red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Tatarian Maple native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Tatarian Maple deer-resistant?
- No. Tatarian Maple is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Tatarian Maple a good firewise plant near the house?
- Tatarian Maple is suitable in defensible-space zones 2–3, best kept back from the house rather than in the area right against the structure. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Is Tatarian Maple prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Tatarian Maple can be affected by aphids and honeydew and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
