Mono maple or small-leaved maple

Maple family. A common plant of the Far East, China, and Korea.

A tree up to 15 m tall, with a dense, broadly spreading crown. Bark on the trunks is gray; on young shoots it is light, yellowish, and contrasts well with the dark-brown or blackish, flattened buds. Leaves 5-7-lobed, thick, smooth, matte green above and glossy below. In autumn they turn bright yellow or red. The leaf blade is similar in shape to that of the sharp-leaved maple but significantly smaller in size (2-3 times). Flowers are small, in inflorescences of 15-30 flowers, yellowish, with a delicate fragrance. Blooms at the very beginning of leaf expansion for 7-10 days,

Hardy, shade-tolerant, prefers fresh, well-drained soils, and is wind-resistant. Relatively durable in urban conditions. Transplants well. For seed propagation an eight-month stratification at 0-3°C is required. Grows slowly during the first 3 years. Flowers and fruits from 11 years of age. Fruits ripen 14.IX ± 6. Reproduces by seed. Seedlings require winter shelter; their winter hardiness is lower than that of mature plants. About 20% of summer cuttings take root.

Recommended for avenues, solitary and group plantings, creating woodland edges and mixed plantings in forest parks. Effectively reduces urban noise. In cultivation since 1861.

Has a marbled (f. marmorata) form — with leaves densely speckled with white dots and spots.