Acer cappadocicum subsp. cappadocicum

Michael's Opinion

Acer cappadocicum is a breathtakingly interesting ornamental tree which has fascinating aspects and uses. Although this is a boring and very bare bones plant in the winter, it is a beautiful plant to have in a park, lawn, or street as it has foliage that turns from a muggy green to a beautiful deep yellow. This plant has various uses which range from soil rehabilitation, which is great areas where the soil is in a very dry as it originated from Asia where for the most part the soil is bone dry, it as well serves as a perfect tree for lawns, parks and streets due to its compact but large size, it also has no serious pest which would ultimately end in the trees demise, additionally it contains beautifully coloured foliage which is a major eye catcher to people passing by. It is slow growing which ultimately results in harder stronger wood as well as less pruning that needs to be performed to maintain the proper shape of the tree. The roots of the tree which allows for access to exceptional amounts of root extracts which are extremely helpful in the treatment and healing of wounds by which were caused by fungus.

Botanical Information

FamilySapindaceae (Aceraceae)
GenusAcer
Speciescappadocicum
Subspeciescappadocicum
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginArmenia, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, China, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan and Turkey.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		Acer cappadocicum has various ethnobotanical uses. It is commonly used in the construction of houses, bed frames, tractor ploughs and even Tibetan beverage holders. Additionally, the root extracts taken from the roots of the tree are used as a tool to treat wounds caused by foot diseases.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4a - 4b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-26) - (-23)
Temperature (°F)(-15) - (-10)
Height25-30 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodApril

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionIt is a deciduous tree which is of a large size. It as well has star shaped leaves that contain 5-7 wide lobes with pointy tips that turn a deep yellow in the Autumn. The fruit that grows on the tree are know as samara(s) which contain small wings. Although it is not an enormous tree it is sturdy and well grounded.
ID CharacteristicIt contains foliage with a beautiful impaled yellow pigment in the Autumn. The foliage is additionally shaped like a star with a pointy apex and lobes. Furthermore, the plant withholds fruit known as samaras that grow horizontally instead of diagonally or vertically in the spring.
ShapeClear stem, multi-stem, widely ovate crown.
LandscapeAcer cappadocicum has a variety of different uses. It is used as an instrument to tackle the rehabilitation of dry soils as it originated from Asia. It is as well a great lawn tree as it is not overly competitive with other plants nor does it intrude negatively on the appearance of the property due to its beautiful deep yellow coloured foliage that it bears in the Autumn. In the spring and summer it bears foliage that is pigmented a dull green.
PropagationThe main propagation method is seed. The best time to execute propagation is mid summer to late fall. It is recommended to water the plant twice a week while in the seed stage to ensure it is absorbing enough water. It is grown in moist humus-based soil that is well drained to allow for proper aeration and nutrient absorption. Additionally, it can thrive in full sun – partial shade without being negatively impacted. Most of the plants growing is done in the summer as the tree will be dormant for the winter. Cuttings can be rooted as a reliable source of propagation as well.
CultivationIt is capable of thriving in soil conditions of any pH (acidic, neutral, alkaline). It will as well further develop in most soil textures, however Acer cappadocicum does require high amounts of organic matter, as is common with most other maples. It requires little pruning as its speed of growth is excessive. If you are to prune this tree it is recommended that you execute pruning during the winter months from November to January on new growth/shoots.
PestsIt has limited pests that pose no serious threat which include aphids, borers, and caterpillars. Some diseases by which the tree is a host to are tar spot, root rot, and canker.
Notable SpecimensRoyal Botanical Gardens, LO, UK.
HabitatAcer cappadocicum is found commonly in dry valleys as well as mixed forests. It is capable of enduring moist but well drained conditions therefore the habitat is dependant on the conditions.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe trunk has a medium diameter allowing for the bark texture to be gazed upon which contains noticeable green lenticels atop.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionHas gleaming, gold-coloured buds that are ovoid in shape ranging from 0.5 cm – 1 cm in size.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaves are simple containing a dull smoggy green containing palmate venation. It bears 5-7 lobes, has entire edges with pointed tips. Additionally, the leaves range from 8 cm – 15 cm in width, as for length they range from 8 cm – 15 cm as well.
Flower DescriptionThe flowers are beautiful and odourless, growing in opposite arrangement. They contain a large cluster of anthers with 4-5 yellow petals. Finally, the diameter of the flower is 2.5 cm.
Fruit DescriptionIt has fruit that appear to be double samaras in which are pigmented a lime green. They withhold wing like extensions to aid in their dispersal. The samaras vary in range from 2.5 cm – 8 cm in length, the width is commonly 1 cm – 2 cm. Nutlet with spreading wings.
Colour DescriptionThe foliage is a muggy green during the spring and summer but turns a beautiful deep gold yellow in the Autumn. It has fruit that are pigmented a lime green that attach to a petiole. The bark is a dark grey with visible greenish brown lenticels. Once flower buds bloom the tiny flowers turn an algae green with hints of yellow.
Texture DescriptionIt is a medium texture plant containing bark that is condensed. During the transformation from Autumn to winter the small shoots harden as well as the buds creating a slightly rougher texture.

Photographs