Cold-Hardy Maple Trees
A variety of maples that offer spectacular color, fast shade, and tough resilience for the Black Hills landscape!
Amur Maple (Acer ginnala)
A versatile small tree or large shrub that delivers brilliant fall color and a compact size for smaller spaces.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Size | Height: 15–20 ft Spread: 15–20 ft |
| Growth Rate | Medium: Grows at a moderate rate of about 1 to 2 feet per year. |
| Foliage | Bright green, three-lobed leaves turn a dramatic scarlet, orange, and yellow in the fall. |
| Best For | Small yards, under power lines, hedges, and windbreaks. |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 2-8: Excellent cold tolerance for the Black Hills. |
Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)
A classic, fast-growing shade tree known for its towering height, graceful form, and distinctive silvery foliage.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Size | Height: 50–100 ft Spread: 40–50 ft |
| Growth Rate | Fast: Known for rapid growth, often adding over 2 feet per year. |
| Foliage | Deeply lobed leaves with a silvery-white underside that shimmers in the breeze. |
| Best For | Large properties, windbreaks, fast shade, and moist areas. |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 3-9: Exceptionally cold-hardy for the Black Hills. |
Tartarian Maple (Acer tataricum)
A small, tough ornamental tree valued for its drought tolerance and unique ornamental features.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Size | Height: 15–20 ft Spread: 15–20 ft |
| Growth Rate | Medium: Grows at a moderate rate of about 1 to 2 feet per year. |
| Foliage | Green, undivided leaves that turn yellow and red in the fall. |
| Best For | Small yards, urban settings, drought-prone areas. |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 3-8: A resilient choice for the Black Hills. |
Comparison Table: Hardy Maples
| Feature | Amur Maple (A. ginnala) | Silver Maple (A. saccharinum) | Tartarian Maple (A. tataricum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mature Height | 15 – 20 ft | 50 – 100 ft | 15 – 20 ft |
| Growth Habit | Multi-stemmed shrub or small tree | Large, fast-growing shade tree | Small, upright tree |
| Growth Rate | Medium (1-2 ft/yr) | Fast (2+ ft/yr) | Medium (1-2 ft/yr) |
| Fall Color | Scarlet, orange, yellow | Yellow | Yellow to red |
| Hardiness Zone | 2-8 | 3-9 | 3-8 |
Why the Black Hills Needs These Maples
You don’t have to compromise on beauty or performance to get a maple that thrives in our local climate! These hardy species are perfectly suited for the challenging weather and variable soil conditions of the Black Hills.
- Reliable Cold Hardiness: These maples are rated for USDA Zones 2 and 3, meaning they can handle the coldest winters and spring frosts that often damage less-hardy species.
- Adaptable to Our Soil: Both Amur and Tartarian maples are highly tolerant of a wide variety of soils, including alkaline and clay soils that are common in our region. The Silver Maple is also adaptable but performs best with more moisture.
- Fast-Growing Shade (Silver Maple): If you have a large yard and need quick shade for your home or patio, the Silver Maple is an excellent choice.
- Compact & Colorful (Amur & Tartarian): For smaller yards, the Amur and Tartarian maples offer beautiful fall color and a more manageable size that fits well into residential landscapes.