Evaluation of growth and ornamental value of 33 maple species on the basis of the research at Rogów Arboretum, Poland

ABSTRACT Maples—Acer L.—belong to one of the most species-rich and valuable genera of trees in landscape architecture. They exhibit a wide range of morphological, ornamental, cultivation and habitat-related characteristics. In horticulture, they are prized for their decorative foliage, particularly their autumnal colouring. This study aims to assess the growth, ornamental value and suitability for cultivation of selected maple species, based on mature tree specimens, under common garden conditions in Central Poland. The research material consisted of 33 maple species, each represented by at least 8 specimens of trees, no younger than 20 years old, growing in the SGGW Arboretum in Rogów. The study was conducted in the years 2023–2024. Assessed traits included: attained dimensions (height, width and their ratio), ornamental value of flowers, fruits, leaves, autumn colours, regularity of leafing pattern, overall habit, bark of trunks and plant health. The highest ornamental value was noted in A. pensylvanicum and other species of the section Macrantha ( A. rufinerve, A. davidii, A. tegmentosum ), as well as section Palmata: A. amoenum, A. shirasawanum, A. palmatum , section Trifoliata: A. triflorum, A. mandshuricum, A. griseum , also A. cissifolium, A. saccharum and A. carpinifolium . The main ornamental features of the studied maples are their autumn foliage colouration and regular, distinctive habit. The species studied demonstrated high levels of health and full frost resistance. The findings may support and optimise the species selection for urban greenery and ornamental horticulture in temperate climates.