Tartarian Maple (Acer tataricum) can be grown as a multi-stemmed shrub or a small tree  that will do well under difficult growing conditions: dry soil, low fertility, acid or alkaline soils. The canopy is dense and round. Growing 15-25 feet in height and nearly as wide, it is a good choice for use under power lines or urban areas such as tree islands.

Foliage (bloom also shown) consists of medium to dark green 3-lobed leaves. In fall they turn a mixture of yellow and red, getting color and dropping early.

Seeds are 1 inch long samars that are red and showy, often mistaken for flowers when seen against the dark green of foliage. They stay ornamental through summer and into fall, turning brown after about a month.

Bark is smooth gray on young branches, textured on older trunks.