Acer capillipes
About this plant
Maple Acer
Maples (Acer) form a large genus of trees and shrubs, nearly all from the northern hemisphere and many from China. They range from small multi-stemmed trees to large shade trees. Their opposite, usually lobed leaves, colourful young growth, winged fruits and above all their fiery autumn colours make them garden classics.
Acer capillipes
This snakebark maple comes from the mountain forests of Japan. Its bark is striped grey-green and white, later with red-brown veining, and the young shoots and leaf stalks are red. It often forms several trunks and an open, vase-shaped crown. The three-lobed leaves turn yellow, orange and red in autumn.
Location and soil
Partial shade in a woodland setting, in humus-rich, lime-free, slightly acid soil that stays moist all year without becoming waterlogged. Choose a spot sheltered from strong wind. Very hardy.
Pruning and care
Keep the soil moist during the first summers and mulch with leaf mould or compost. Pruning is rarely needed; limit it to dead or crossing branches between December and February or in June. The roots are shallow, so avoid digging close to the trunk.
Use in the garden
A specimen tree for gardens and parks, planted where its bark can be seen all year, for example near the house or in view of a window. It combines well with hostas, ferns and other calm woodland perennials.
Characteristics
Botanical
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Acer |
| Species | capillipes |