Amur maple

(Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala)

General description:

Multi-stemmed deciduous tree or shrub in the maple family.

Ecological threat:

• Invades open grasslands, open forests, prairies, forest and field edges.
• Outcompetes native shrubs and understory trees, reducing overall biodiversity.
• Can shade-out native species in prairie ecosystems, converting prairie community to shaded shrubland or woodland.
• United States Forest Service designates this species as invasive in several eastern states with similar climate zones.
• Trees produce abundant, wind dispersed seed that germinate readily.
• Tree are tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions, and more drought and shade tolerant than native maples.
• May contain allelopathic chemicals, inhibiting root development of desired species.