Acer davidii ‘George Forrest'

Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: Medium

Dry Soil: Medium

Lime: Medium

Acer davidii ‘George Forrest’ is a remarkable cultivar named in honour of George Forrest, the renowned Scottish botanist who collected the original seeds during his 1921 expedition to the remote Yunnan province in China. Upon returning to the UK with these seeds, Forrest’s unique cultivation of this particular variety of Acer davidii earned it the distinguished name of ‘George Forrest’.

Commonly known as Snakebark maple due to its distinctive appearance, this tree is celebrated for its visually striking bark, which resembles the skin of a snake. The young bark features an intriguing palette of shades from purple to green, adorned with creamy white stripes. As the tree matures, the bark transitions to more subtle hues of green and brown, creating a dynamic visual effect that evolves over time.

The foliage of Acer davidii ‘George Forrest’ is equally captivating. During the summer, its green leaves contrast beautifully against the striking ruby red stalks, adding a vivid splash of colour to any landscape. In the autumn, the tree comes alive with a spectacular display of fiery colours, as the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. When the wind moves through the canopy, it creates a mesmerizing effect reminiscent of flickering flames, enhancing the tree’s dramatic presence.

Even after the leaves have fallen, Acer davidii ‘George Forrest’ continues to offer visual interest throughout the winter months with its unique and attractive bark. This enduring feature ensures that the tree remains a focal point in the garden, providing year-round beauty.

Acer davidii ‘George Forrest’ is adaptable to a wide range of soil types and thrives in well-drained locations. Its resilience and striking aesthetic make it an excellent choice for adding both elegance and intrigue to gardens and landscapes. Whether used as a standalone specimen or as part of a larger design, this tree’s distinctive characteristics and seasonal displays make it a standout choice for discerning gardeners and landscape designers.

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Size

Small

7m high x 6m wide after 25 years

Canopy

This tree boasts a wonderfully open, fan-shaped canopy that creates a spacious and airy effect. Its upright, spreading branches extend outward in a graceful, expansive manner, allowing ample light to filter through and highlight the trees striking bark and vibrant foliage. This broad, open canopy not only enhances the trees ornamental appeal, but also provides a pleasant dappled shade below. The balanced, symmetrical structure of the canopy adds elegance and dimension.

Foliage

The tree features dark opal green leaves that emerge from striking rhubarb-red stalks, creating a visually appealing contrast. As summer progresses, these leaves provide a lush, dense canopy. In autumn, the tree undergoes a dramatic transformation, with the foliage ablaze in rich reds and vibrant pumpkin orange.

Bark

Acer davidii 'George Forrest' is renowned for its distinctive snake-like bark, which initially showcases striking hues of rhubarb red and purple. This vibrant coloration is accentuated by distinctive creamy white strokes that create a dramatic visual effect. As the tree matures, the bark transitions to deeper shades of green and brown, yet the creamy white vertical stripes remain prominent, continuing to provide a unique and attractive pattern. The serrated texture of the bark adds an additional layer of visual interest.

Resilience

Demonstrates robust resilience, thriving best in well-drained soil conditions that support its growth and health. While it is adaptable to various soil types, it benefits from being sheltered from cold winds, which helps maintain its vibrant foliage and bark. Additionally, this tree prefers partial shade to protect against potential sun scorch, ensuring that its distinctive leaves and striking bark remain in optimal condition.