Photo of Acer davidii by Patricia Cunningham

Photo by Patricia Cunningham

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Acer davidii

Also Known As

  • Père David's Maple
  • Snakebark Maple
  • Stripebark Maple

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 30'-50'
  • W: 20'-40'

planting zones

  • 6a-9b

More Options

Acer davidii plant details

Acer davidii is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. Attracts beneficial insects and birds. Grows well with sun - shade and regular water. Does well in acidic, average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Acer davidii

Plant type: tree
Plant family: sapindaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 20 FT - 40 FT - wide, 30 FT - 50 FT - tall
Uses: bonsai, distinctive bark, fall color, shade tree, striped bark

GROWING CONDITIONS for Acer davidii

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: humidity
Soil needs: acidic, average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Commonly known as snakebark or Pere David's maple, this 30-50' understory tree is native to the diverse forests of central China. It is perhaps most renowned for its interesting olive-green and white snakeskin-like bark. The unusual 3-6" unlobed (or occasionally shallow-lobed) leaves are bright-green in summer before turning attractive shades of orange-red in autumn. Inconspicuous, yellow-green spring flowers give way to small but abundant winged samaras which hang all along the branches in fall. This rare and wonderful tree makes a fine specimen. S-PSh/M
The Snakebark Maple features an attractive white, brown, and tan striping pattern against the green bark on both young twigs and older stems and trunks. Trees grow quickly and form a beautiful street or shade tree shape in only a few years, but stay smaller than the more commonly planted Red Maple. In fall the leaves turn a gorgeous yellow to orange color.

In cool climates these trees like full sun but in very hot, arid climates like our nursery we have found these trees to do better with some afternoon shade.

Gardening facts about Acer davidii plant

How to Grow Acer davidii

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • humidity tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • birds
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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