Originating in northern China, the Shantung maple (Acer truncatum) is a stunner, especially valued for its eye-catching leaves. This adaptable beauty has earned a place on the Texas A&M’s Texas Superstar list, a testament to its resilience in the state’s climate. The mature height of the Shantung maple is typically 25 feet tall with a similar spread. The Shantung maple is a medium-sized tree, typically growing to a height of 25-30 feet with a spread of 15-20 feet. It has a dense, rounded crown and large, triangular leaves with five lobes. The leaves emerge reddish-purple in the spring and mature to a medium green in the summer. In the fall, the leaves put on a stunning display of color, turning shades of yellow, orange, and red. Shantung maples are relatively low-maintenance trees. They are tolerant of heat and drought once established, and can grow in average, well-drained soils. They thrive in full sun to partial shade, making them adaptable to a variety of planting locations. These qualities, coupled with their beautiful fall foliage, make Shantung Maples a popular choice for many different landscapes.