The ash maple in profile

Botanical system and appearance

The vigor of ash maple is on a par with the native one Norway maple (Acer platanoides). The deciduous tree owes its name to a leaf shape that is unusual for maples. The following profile summarizes what distinguishes the popular maple species:

• Genus Maples (Acer) within the soap tree family (Sapindaceae)
• Name of the species: Ash maple (Acer negundo)
• Origin: North America, mainly between Florida and Ontario
• Deciduous deciduous tree, mostly multi-stemmed with a loose, round crown
• Leaf shape: unpaired pinnate with 3 to 5 lobed pinnate leaves, varieties with variegated foliage
• Height: 10 to 15 meters
• Annual growth: 40 to 80 cm, under ideal conditions up to 150 cm
• Flowers: drooping, yellowish to red, in March before the leaves shoot
• Fruits: nuts with wings at an acute angle
• Seeds: deadly poisonous to horses and donkeys
• Winter hardiness: in old age frost hardy to - 32 degrees Celsius
• Use: pioneer wood, park and garden tree

The pure species has developed into an important part of the alluvial forests in Central Europe without human influence. Ash maple is one of the few trees that can cope with brief flooding. This is why Acer negundo is often used when problematic ruderal areas and damp locations have to be greened.

The premium variety Flamingo makes the garden shine

With its sweeping crown and majestic shape, ash maple is too big as a pure species for normal home gardens. Thanks to successful breeding with a height of 500 to 700 cm, the American maple can be admired in numerous gardens today. The variety name Flamingo refers to the white-green variegated leaf color with a delicate pink border.

The distinctive ash maple welcomes a sunny location near the pond. In the large bucket it adorns the terrace and balcony with its beautiful foliage. In contrast to most of its conspecifics, a regular topiary is desirable on the flamingo so that the ornamental foliage retains its color.