Acer truncatum, commonly known as Shantung Maple, is a medium-sized deciduous tree that typically grows to 15 meters (49 ft) tall with a broad, rounded crown. Native to a variety of habitats in China and Korea, including mixed forests, forest edges, and riverbanks, it is well-adapted to a range of ecological conditions. The bark is smooth on young trees, transitioning to shallowly ridged with age. Its foliage is notable for the glossy green leaves that turn to vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall. The flowers, yellow-green with five petals, are about 5-7 millimeters (0.20-0.28 in) long and bloom in early spring, followed by the production of distinctive double samaras with two winged seeds. These seeds are disc-shaped, slightly flattened, and 13-18 millimeters (0.51-0.71 in) across, with wings that are 2 centimeters (0.79 in) long and widely spread.

Shantung Maple is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its attractive fall coloration and interesting seed pods. It is used in urban landscapes, as a street tree, and in residential gardens. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring medium amounts of water and thriving in full sun to part shade. It is adaptable to various soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it is generally pest-resistant, it can be susceptible to leaf scorch, particularly in hot, dry conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0