Shantung maple tree named ‘WF-AT1’

#Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Acer truncatum.

#Variety denomination: ‘WF-AT1’.

#The Latin names and authority of the new cultivar described and disclosed herein is Acer truncatum Bunge, commonly known as Shantung maple, Shundong maple, or purple-blow maple.

#Colors as shown in these drawings were taken under conditions of natural lighting in an outdoor setting. However, although the colors are believed to be as true as possible, digital capture and subsequent reproduction of these drawings may not accurately represent the true color. As such, chromal characteristics of this new plant should be taken as described below in the botanical description, with the values cited based on the R.H.S. Colour Chart, 2001 edition.

#FIG. 1 illustrates the original ‘WF-AT1’ maple tree growing in Pitt County, N.C. at peak fall color. The form of the tree is also evident from this illustration.

#FIG. 2 illustrates foliage and branches of the original ‘WF-AT1’ maple tree growing in Pitt County, N.C. at peak fall color.

#The following detailed botanical description pertains to Acer truncatum,‘WF-AT1’ based on data collected from the now 8 year-old, original ‘WF-AT1’ tree (the founder tree) growing in Pitt County, N.C. All data presented are based on multiple samples, of which means are presented and number of samples averaged is indicated by “N=x” where “N” refers to the statistical sample size and “x” refers to the actual number of samples from which data were collected.

#Beginning in spring 2005, data were collected on the founder tree of ‘WF-AT1’ to assess biometric data and color values. These data were collected again in late summer, and again in fall at time of peak autumn foliar coloration. All color notation data is based on The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, The Royal Horticultural Society, London, 2001, except in cases when general descriptive color terminology is used for the sake of simplicity and brevity.

#Acer truncatum is considered to be a small-sized deciduous tree, with height remaining at or below 33 feet tall (10 m) after 10 years of growth, to which ‘WF-AT1’ conforms. Growth form is strictly deliquescent, with no obvious excurrent growth form even in youth. This deliquescent growth form is evidenced by the compact, round-headed canopy that forms on trees, even when young and without any strict pruning regime. Branch angles of ‘WF-AT1’ are narrow (usually 45° or higher), with secondary branches ascending; but not so narrow as to lead to problems of bark inclusions or weak trunk/branch unions.