[3][4] Acer tataricum is a deciduous spreading shrub or small tree growing to 4–12 metres (13–39 ft) tall, with a short trunk up to 20–50 centimetres (7.9–19.7 in) diameter and slender branches.

The flowers are whitish-green, 5–8 millimetres (0.20–0.31 in) diameter, produced in spreading panicles in spring as the leaves open.

The fruit is a paired reddish samara, 10–12 millimetres (0.39–0.47 in) long with a 2–3 centimetres (0.79–1.18 in) wing, maturing in late summer to early autumn.

[3][4][5] Subspecies accepted by the Plant List maintained by Kew Gardens in London:[5][2] Some botanists treat Acer tataricum subsp.

[3] Tatar maple is occasionally grown as an ornamental plant in gardens throughout Europe and also in North America.