I have been told that there is not a perfect tree, but if you have a space that requires a small to medium tree, a Shantung Maple (Acer truncatum) seems to be as near perfect as they get. It is native to northern China and will reach a mature height of 25 to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide. It is reminiscent of a large leaf Japanese maple but with much greater toughness. It will grow in hot sun and thrives in most of our Texas soils (does not do well in far West Texas due to low humidity).
It is also known as 'purple blow maple.' For the first seven to ten days after the new leaves appear in the spring, they are a light purplish -bronze color that is very attractive when they blow in the wind. It has been on the Texas Superstar list since 2001 and has, also, been designated an Earth Kind tree which means that it has been thoroughly tested and will help create beautiful, productive landscapes that require minimum maintenance and provide maximum environmental protection. According to a Kansas State University study, it is one of the least damaged trees in an ice storm. An added benefit is the beautiful fall color.
There is now a new cultivar of Shantung maple called Fire Dragon. It is patented and grown by Keith Johansson of Metro Maples in Fort Worth. It has the same basic characteristics of the Shantung but has much more red fall color. Check out this tree at www.metromaples.com.
JoAnne Huffinan, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas Cooperative Extension
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