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Tatarian HOT WINGS® Maple

Acer tataricum

Compiled by · Reviewed against the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List, CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-19

Tatarian HOT WINGS® 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 to 25 ft tall and 15 to 25 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant Select®.

Site fitRecommended
low to medium water15 to 25 ft tall and 15 to 25 ft wideXeric / water-wise

Photos

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones
USDA 4 to 8
Water needs
low to medium water
Sun
Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
Soil
clay, loam, sandy
Soil pH
6.0 to 8.2
Hail tolerance
moderate
Wind tolerance
moderate
Salt tolerance
moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size
15 to 25 ft tall and 15 to 25 ft wide
Mature form
Rounded
Spacing / clearance
~25 ft of clearance
Growth rate
Moderate
Lifespan
Medium

What it looks like, and when

Fall color
Red
Foliage
Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value
high
Deer
Not rated
Colorado native
No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating
Not rated

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.

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 to 10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1 to 2×/month October to 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 HOT WINGS® Maple good for the Colorado Front Range?
Yes, Tatarian HOT WINGS® 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 HOT WINGS® Maple get?
It matures to about 15 to 25 ft tall and 15 to 25 ft wide.
How much room does Tatarian HOT WINGS® Maple need?
Give Tatarian HOT WINGS® Maple about 25 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
What shape does Tatarian HOT WINGS® Maple grow into?
Tatarian HOT WINGS® 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 HOT WINGS® Maple hardy on the Front Range?
Tatarian HOT WINGS® Maple is hardy in USDA 4 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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 HOT WINGS® Maple need?
It needs low to medium water once established.
How fast does Tatarian HOT WINGS® Maple grow?
Tatarian HOT WINGS® Maple is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
How long does Tatarian HOT WINGS® Maple live?
Tatarian HOT WINGS® Maple has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
What color does Tatarian HOT WINGS® Maple turn in fall?
Tatarian HOT WINGS® Maple turns red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
Is Tatarian HOT WINGS® Maple native to Colorado?
No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
Is Tatarian HOT WINGS® Maple prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
Tatarian HOT WINGS® 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.

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See also

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