Acer davidii

Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: Medium

Dry Soil: Medium

Lime: Medium

Acer davidii, commonly known as Pere David’s maple or Snakebark maple, is a stunning deciduous tree originally discovered by French missionary Armand David in Central China. Renowned for its exceptional ornamental qualities, this tree is a striking addition to any landscape.

The Snakebark maple is particularly celebrated for its unique and eye-catching bark, which features a distinctive snakelike pattern. The bark begins as a greenish-grey and matures into elegant shades of white, cream, and olive green. As the tree ages, the bark’s pattern becomes more pronounced, creating a visually appealing contrast that enhances the tree’s overall charm.

In early spring, Acer davidii produces inconspicuous yellow-green flowers arranged in delicate clusters, adding a subtle touch of elegance. Following the flowering period, the tree develops red winged fruits, characteristic of the maple family, which contribute additional interest.

This maple thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade, though it is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions. It is relatively low-maintenance, making it an ideal choice for parks and urban landscapes. Its compact root system means it should be planted away from hard surfaces to allow for optimal growth.

Whether used as a standalone feature or integrated into a broader landscape design, Acer davidii brings a touch of sophistication and natural beauty. Its distinctive bark, vibrant autumn colours, and overall resilience make it a favourite among garden designers and landscapers.

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Size

Small

7m high x 6m wide after 25 years

Environment

Acer davidii thrives best in natural, open environments and is not well-suited to areas with hard, compacted surfaces. It flourishes in parks and gardens where it can establish a healthy root system. This tree benefits from ample space to grow and develop its distinctive bark and foliage without the constraints of urban hardscaping. Ideal for landscapes where it can enjoy a natural setting.

Canopy

The canopy is characterised by its oval to round shape, forming a light and open crown. The branches gracefully arch outward, creating a rounded a symmetrical appearance that offers a pleasant, dappled shade beneath. This airy canopy provides a balanced and aesthetically pleasing coverage, enhancing the landscape with its elegant form while allowing light to filter through.

Foliage

The foliage of Acer davidii is deciduous, featuring mid-green, oval-elongated leaves that exhibit a distinctive and elegant shape. The undersides of the leaves are covered with a fine, hairy texture along the veins, adding a subtle tactile quality to the foliage. In autumn, leaves transform into a vibrant tapestry of colours, shifting through shades of orange, pink, and yellow.

Bark

The bark is uniquely eye-catching, displaying a distinctive snakelike pattern that adds significant visual interest to the tree. Initially, the bark features a green-grey hue, which gradually matures to an elegant palette of white, cream, and olive green as the tree ages. This evolving colour scheme and intricate pattern become more pronounce over time, creating a striking and textured appearance.

Resilience

Exhibits impressive resilience, thriving best in well-drained, nutrient-rich and humus-rich soils that provide a supportive environment for its growth. While it demonstrates good wind resistance, it performs optimally in a sheltered location that shields it from harsh conditions. The tree adapts well to a range of light conditions, flourishing in both full sun and partial shade. Additionally, Acer davidii is resistant to frost, making it a robust choice for various climates.

FAQs

What are the key features of Acer davidii?

Key features include its unique snakelike bark that starts as greenish-grey and matures into shades of white, cream, and olive green. The tree also produces inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in early spring, which develop into distinctive red winged fruits. Its foliage is mid-green with a hairy texture on the underside and changes to vibrant autumn hues of orange, pink, and yellow.

How fast does Acer davidii grow?

Acer davidii has a moderate growth rate. It develops a rounded canopy with an elegant shape, providing visual interest as it matures. While not the fastest-growing tree, its unique bark and seasonal foliage changes make it a valuable addition to any landscape.

What are the ideal growing conditions for Acer davidii?

This tree does best in well-drained, nutrient-rich soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, including clay and loam. Acer davidii is resistant to frost, making it suitable for a variety of climates.