Hot Wings Maple

Acer tataricum ‘GarAnn’ Hot Wings®

Hot Wings Maple is a hardy, ornamental tree prized for its brilliant red winged samaras (seeds) that contrast beautifully with its green summer foliage and fiery red-orange fall color. It is cold-hardy (Zone 3-7), drought-tolerant, and adaptable, making it an excellent choice for Southwest Saskatchewan. This tree is resistant to common maple diseases, making it a low-maintenance alternative to more traditional maples.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 3-7 (thrives in cold prairie climates)
• Mature Size: 20-25 feet tall, 18-20 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (12-24 inches per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best color and growth in 6+ hours of sun)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil but adapts to sandy and clay soils.
  • Tolerates alkaline and slightly acidic soils (pH 6.0-8.0).
  • Avoid standing water—prefers dry to moderate moisture.
• Spacing: 15-20 feet apart for full canopy development.

Watering

• Young Trees (First 2-3 Years): Deep water once per week to establish roots.
• Established Trees: Drought-tolerant; water every 2-3 weeks in dry conditions.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers dry to medium moisture levels—too much water can cause root rot.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment.
• Mature Trees:
  • Apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring if growth seems slow.
  • Organic alternative: Compost or well-rotted manure in spring.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth.
• How to Prune:
  • Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
  • Maintain a strong central leader and shape lightly.
  • Minimal pruning needed—naturally forms a well-balanced shape.

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Common maple diseases, including tar spot and anthracnose.

Common Pests:

• Aphids – Can cause sticky honeydew on leaves.
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or encourage ladybugs.
• Scale Insects – May appear on branches, causing yellowing leaves.
  • Solution: Use horticultural oil if infestation is severe.

Common Diseases:

• Verticillium Wilt – A soil-borne fungus that can cause branch dieback.
  • Solution: Avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage.
• Powdery Mildew – White fungal coating on leaves in humid conditions.
  • Solution: Improve airflow and remove infected leaves.

Winter Protection

• Highly winter-hardy, but young trees may benefit from mulching around the base.
• Sunscald Prevention: Wrap trunks of young trees in late fall to prevent winter sun damage.
• Deer & Rodents: Generally not preferred by deer, but tree guards can be used if browsing is an issue.

Landscape Uses

Great small-to-medium shade tree for urban or rural yards
Beautiful red samaras (winged seeds) provide striking summer interest
Drought-tolerant and adaptable to prairie soils
Cold-hardy and resistant to common maple diseases
Excellent as a focal point, street tree, or in mixed plantings

Additional Notes:

• Hot Wings Maple is an excellent alternative to Amur Maple, with stronger branching, better drought tolerance, and improved disease resistance.
• Lifespan: 40-60+ years with proper care.
• Works well as a specimen tree, in rows for screening, or in park settings.

Photo courtesy of Foothills Nursery