Acer davidii (David Maple or Snake Bark Maple)

Michael's Opinion

A neglected small tree that I believe is well suited to todays small landscapes. A value added plant that is worth the effort sourcing. Frequently planted in England.

Botanical Information

FamilySapindaceae (Aceraceae)
GenusAcer
Speciesdavidii
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginChina and Myanmar. Introduced as an ornamental to England in 1902.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5 - 7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4a - 7a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-26) - (-12)
Temperature (°F)(-15) - 10
Height10 m
Spread3 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA medium sized tree that is seldom planted. Interesting bark, leaves and blooms. This species has been placed on the IUCN Red List as least concern.
ID CharacteristicThe characteristic snakeing or lines on the bark, often a milky grey in colour.
ShapeRounded crown.
LandscapeAttractive small tree or large shrub for a landscape.
CultivationMedium moisture, well drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
PestsFew pest or disease issues, although bark splitting has been a minor problem and is in evidence on the specimen at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens.
Notable SpecimensThe Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, natural garden near the residence, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatMountainous areas, mixed forests and along stream sides.
Bark/Stem DescriptionGreyish-brown bark with greenish-purple glabrous branchlets.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionSmall, oblong with 2 pairs of scales.
Leaf DescriptionOvate, ovate-oblong or suborbicular-ovate, thin, 3-5 lobes, 10-13 pairs of veins and a subcordate or rounded base, 12-14x4-9 cm.
Flower DescriptionGreenish-yellow 5-petaled flowers with 5 sepals and 8 stamens.
Fruit DescriptionBrownish-yellow fruit, flat winged nutlets, 2.5-2.8 cm, produced in September.

Photographs