Small tree or large shrub, similar to Acer ginnala in size and features. Dense habit, larger leaves with small lobes. Samaras have early red color followed by yellow-orange fall foliage color. As these are seedling grown, there is variation in habit, size of the lobes on the leaf, and in fall color. Tatarian Maple grows well as a single-stem and is probably a stronger growing plant, and more tolerant of alkaline soils than Acer ginnala.