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 yardsBeautiful red samaras (winged seeds) provide striking summer interestDrought-tolerant and adaptable to prairie soilsCold-hardy and resistant to common maple diseasesExcellent 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
