Amur Maple is a small tree native to northeastern Asia that is fairly common in cultivation, and is invasive further north, but is not yet known as an invasive in North Carolina. It is included here because it is known to escape from cultivation in WV and KY and has the potential do so in our mountains. There are a small number of trees planted on the Duke University campus.

The sharply-toothed leaves are somewhat similar to those of Red Maple, but the central lobe is much longer than the lateral lobes. The leaves have red petioles, like Red Maple.

Durham, NC 3/22/2012.

The flowers, which appear in March, are arranged in terminal racemes, quite different from those of Red Maple.

Durham, NC 3/22/2012.

Durham, NC 3/22/2012.

The bark is also somewhat similar to that of Red Maple, but tends to break into ridges earlier.

Durham, NC 3/22/2012.