Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Old World Maples

Acer



Acer acuminatum
A medium size often multi stemmed tree native to the western Himalayas. The largest on record is 52 feet in height and 25 inches in diameter.
The leaves are up to 6 x 5 inches in size, have 3 to 5 elongated lobes and are borne on red stalks. They are are reddish at first turning to fresh green then to orange in fall. The winged fruits are 1.5 inches in length.
The bark is green.
Hardy zones 5 to 8

Acer argutum

Native to Japan ( Shikoku & Honshu ). It is a slow growing often multi-stemmed tree. It can reach up to 27 feet in height in 20 years ( and rarely grows much larger ) and the fastest growth rate recorded is 2 feet. The largest tree on record is 40 x 20 feet with a trunk diameter of 16 inches.
The sharply 5-lobed leaves are up to 5 x 5 inches in size and have a prominent network of veins. They are pale green in summer and turn to orange-gold in fall.
This tree is rare because viable seed is also rare.
The smooth bark is grayish-brown.
Hardy zones 4 to 8.

Acer barbinerve ( Ussuri Maple )
A moderate growing, deciduous, small tree, reaching a maximum size of 40 x 40 ( rarely over 23 ) feet, that is native to mountain forests from eastern Russia; south to Manchuria to northern Korea. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 2.5 feet. This tree appears much like our native Acer spicatum ( Mountain Maple ).
The coarsely double-toothed, 5 ( rarely 7 ) lobed leaves are up to 5 x 5 inches in size. The foliage is deep green, turning to bright yellow in fall.
The flowers appear during mid-spring.
The bark is smooth and gray. The bright red stems are very showy.
Hardy zones 2b to 7 ( hardiness may vary depending on seed source ). Easy to grow and rarely bothered by pests or disease.

* historic archive photo


Acer buergerianum ( Trident Maple )
From eastern China and Korea, this excellent landscape tree typically reaches around 60 feet with the largest trees recorded up to 100 x 75 feet with trunk diameters to 4.5 feet. A very large tree of 70 x 76 x 3.4 feet grows at Morris Arboretum in Philly, PA. Fast growing; some records include; fastest recorded growth rate - 4 feet; 5 years - 21 x 13 feet with 7 inch trunk diameter ( more usually 20 x 12 feet in 8 years ).
The leaves are up to 4 x 4 inches in size and have 3 short lobes. The foliage is very glossy green above, and blue green below. It is very early in leaf and the leaves turn vivid red late into the fall.
Abundant clusters of winged keys often persist through the winter.
The orangish bark is flaky and attractive.
Hardy zones 4 - 9 ( -30 F ). The Trident Maple grows in any soil; wet or dry. It is very heat and drought tolerant and leaf scorch is rare. The Trident Maple is even known to withstand temperatures as high as 117 F making it useful in the South where Norway Maple performs poorly. Indeed this Maple thrives in the almost tropical summers of Norfolk, Virginia as well as Atlanta, Georgia or Little Rock, Arkansas. Pest free, strong wooded and good in sun or part shade. Also grows well in just about any soil wet or dry and also tolerant of heat and drought. An excellent urban shade and street tree.

* photos taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD








* photos taken on May 15 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Nov 4 2015 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Mar 18 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photo taken on Apr 23 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photos taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA

* photos taken on Aug 5 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photos taken on Oct 19 2020 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Oct 16 2022 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Oct 29 2022 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europe's premier plant nursery


'Aeryn'
Considered to be more vigorous with a dense, upright, oval canopy. It is fast growing, reaching up to 21 x 13 feet with a trunk diameter of 6" in just 6 years, 40 x 30 feet in 20 years, eventually larger.
The foliage is reddish at first, turing to glossy deep green, then to orange-red during autumn. It is highly scorch resistant.
The bark is relatively smooth.
Hardy zones 5 to 8. It has superior drought tolerance. It is grown from cuttings.

* patent photos


Angyo Weeping'
A fast growing, weeping form,reaching an average size of 25 x 25 feet in 20 years that eventually becomes a large tree.
The foliage is larger than average for the species. The foliage is bright green at first, later turning to deep green. The foliage turns to intense orangish-red during autumn, even in harsh climates such as Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Hardy zones 5 to 9

* photos taken on June 30 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photo taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photos taken on Aug 30 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC


'Blood Moon'
Fast growing ( often up to 2.3 feet per year ) and dense, ascending, pyramidal in habit, reaching up to 18 x 12 feet with a trunk diameter of 5" in 9 years, 35 x 20 feet in 20 years, eventually larger.
The foliage is bright red at first, turning to deep green. THe bright red new growth continues all summer. The foliage turns from deep orange to deep red during autumn.
Hardy zones 5 to 8

* patent photos


'Naruto'
A moderate growing ( up to 2 feet per year ) dwarf form that forms a compact small tree, up to 15 x 8 feet in 20 years, eventually slightly larger.
The 3-lobed leaves roll inward at the edges showing their silvery undersides. The luxuriant deep green foliage turns to intense orange-red during autumn.
Hardy zones 6 to 9

* photos taken on Apr 24 2016 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photos taken on Aug 30 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC


'Nokori'
Very large leaves are red in spring turning to glossy deep green during summer.

‘Pritchard’
Fast growing and upright, broadly-oval to rounded in habit, reaching up to 40 x 20 feet in 20 years, eventually much larger.
The glossy mid-green foliage turns to deep red to reddish-purple during autumn.
Hardy zones 5 to 8

* info link
https://selecttrees.com/trees/pritchard-trident-maple/

'Raising Blaze'
Foliage is red at first then turns back to red or intense orange-red during autumn.
It bears less fruit and is more heat tolerant.

'Streetwise'
Is more vigorous ( to 18 feet in 8 years ) and more likely to be single trunk which has attractive colorful exfoliating bark.
Its leaves are reddish purple in the spring before turning glossy dark green.

* photo of unknown cultivar taken on April 11 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum


'Valynor'
Fast growing, upright, columnar in habit, reaching up to 18 x 6 feet in 5 years, to 40+ x 12 feet in 20 years with eventual size unknown.
The glossy deep green foliage turns to yellowish-orange during autumn.
Hardy zones 5 to 8, it is easy to reproduce from cuttings.

Acer caesium ( Girald Maple )
Also called Trekhan Maple. An endangered medium size tree native to the western Himalayas ( Pakistan, northern India and Nepal ). The largest on record is 82 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 4.2 feet.
The leaves are 3 to 5 lobed and up to 10 x 10 ( rarely over 8 ) inches in size. They are borne on a <6 inch red leafstalk and are deep green above, white beneath. The foliage turns to gold during autumn. This Maple is similar in appearance to Acer villosum.
The yellowish-green flowers are borne during mid-spring. An excellent street tree that is hardy north to zone 5. It requires 30 + inches of yearly rainfall. Tar spot fungus can cause late summer defoliation.

Acer campbellii ( Campbell Maple )

A rare, moderate growing, large tree native to mountain forests of China and the eastern Himalayas. It is related to Acer palmatum ( Japanese Maple ) but is larger in all its parts. Generally it tops out around 60 feet though some are known to reach as much as 100 x 60 feet with trunk diameters up to 5 feet.
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 4 feet; 36 years - 52 feet.
The 5 to 7 lobed leaves are shaped like that of Acer palmatum but are much larger reaching up to 10 inches across. They are bronze red in spring turning to dark green in summer then to brilliant red in fall.
Hardy zones 6 to 10, it is drought tolerant but should be protected from hot sun..

subsp. 'flabellatum'
Slow growing ( to 20 x 12 feet in 20 years ) and smaller ( record size only 57 feet with a trunk diameter of 20 inches ) with a twiggy habit.
The 5 lobed, glossy deep green leaves only reach up to 6.5 x 6.5 inches in size, often turning purple during autumn.

subsp 'schneiderianum'
Similar to Acer campbellii but with thinner leaves having 3 or occasionally 5 lobes.
Native from the Himalayas to western China where it forms a moderate growing, elegant tree up to 27 feet. Some records include: 11 years - 20 feet with a trunk diameter of 8 inches.
The foliage is glossy bronze green at first turning to light green in summer. In autumn the leaves turn an intense clear orange.
The attractive keys, up to 2.2 inches across are pink to red.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 thriving only in cool maritime areas such as the Pacific Northwest and the British Isles.
It is easily grown from seed if the samaras are collected before turning brown.


Acer campestre ( Field Maple )

Also called Hedge Maple; this medium to large size tree is native to much of Europe, western Asia and north Africa. It typically forms a spreading dome shape tree to 60 feet though the largest on record is much larger at 115 x 90 feet with a trunk diameter of 7 feet. Usually moderate growing; it can become fast growing reaching up to 13 x 10 feet in 5 years & 40 x 40 feet in 20 years. The record growth rate is 5 feet. The Field Maple can also be kept sheared and is commonly used for hedges in England.
In the U.S. large trees grow at: Tacoma, WA - 83 x 64 feet; Lansing, MI - 64 feet. The Field Maple can live up to 600 years in age.
The palmately 5-lobed leaves are up to 5 x 5 inches in size. The foliage is deep green above and paler downy beneath. The leaves appear early in spring and turn clear golden yellow to orange late in autumn. The leafstalks are up to 4 inches in length and exude a milky sap when cut.
In early spring the foliage is bright yellow green at the same time as the small yellow flowers that are borne in upright clusters.
Seed crop can be heavy and resulting seedlings abundant.
The pale brown bark on older trees is thick and corky furrowed.
The twigs frequently have corky ridges.
Hardy zones 3 to 8, the Field Maple grows in almost any soil wet or dry and is heat tolerant as well as very lime tolerant. It grows well in sun or part shade.
This is the best Maple for growing on dry alkaline soil.
In Washington, D.C. this tree can be found around the Library of Congress and the U.S. Capital.

* photos taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD




* photos taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario


* photos taken on July 11 2014 in Washington, DC

* historic archive photos


* photo taken on Aug 23 2021 in Goderich, ON

* photos taken on May 1 2023 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on July 10 2023 @ Collingwood Arboretum, Collingwood, ON

* photos taken on Nov 11 2023 in Columbia, MD


'Evelyn'
More vigorous and upright growing at a rate of up to 4 feet per year when young. It can reach 50 feet in 20 years with a very dense canopy.

* photos taken on Jul 12 2015 in Ellicott City, MD

* photo taken on Aug 31 2016 in Ellicott City, MD


'Fastigiata'
Columnar in habit, reaching a maximum size of 60 feet in height and 2.5 feet in trunk diameter.

'Jade Patina'
Fast growing ( up to 4 feet per year ) and upright-oval in habit, reaching up to 35 x 35 feet in 20 years, eventually much larger. It was developed in western Ohio by Mike Lee
The healthy foliage is more deeply-lobed than the species. The deep green foliage turns to intense yellow during autumn.
Hardy zones 5a to 7, it has superior cold tolerance and resistance to frost cracking.

'Metro Gold'
Moderate growing, upright and narrow in habit, reaching up to 35 x 20 feet in 25 years. It makes a great street tree.
The foliage turns to golden-yellow during autumn.
It produced few seeds.

'Purpurea'
foliage is reddish in spring turning to purple in summer then to red in autumn.

'Queen Elizabeth'
More vigorous abd upright, oval in habit. It grows at the same rate and size as the species.
The deeper green foliage is also larger.
Hardy zones 6 to 8
It sets abundant fruit.

'Royal Ruby'
Foliage is reddish-purple at first, later turning to green; otherwise similar to species.
It is vigorous and not a prolific producer of fruits.

'Streetside'
Ascending and narrowly-oval in habit, reaching up to 35 x 18 feet in 25 years.
Hardy zones 5 to 8. It was selected in western New York and has shown improved cold hardiness.

Acer capillipes ( Kigasawa Maple )
A fast growing medium size tree native to Japan. It can reach up to 20 x 17 feet in 10 years; 40 x 20 feet in 20 years and eventually top out around 50 feet. The largest on record is 82 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 3 feet. The fastest growth rate on record is 4 feet.
The attractive toothed leaves, up to 6.5 inches long, are triangular with 3 short lobes. The foliage is glossy deep green above and smooth bright green beneath. The leaves are borne on prominent red stalks and turn to crimson during mid-November; they also emerge reddish during spring.
The flowers small, green and borne in racemes up to 4 inches in length.
The young stems are bright pinkish-red. The bark on older trees is green-brown with white vertical stripes.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 and easily grown from seed or cuttings on fertile well drained soil. This Maple is very heat tolerant when grown in shade.

* photos taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD




* photos taken on Apr 23 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* historic archive photo

Acer cappadocicum ( Coliseum Maple )
A large fast growing tree native to mountainous areas of Turkey & southwest Asia to the Himalayas. It is known to reach as much as 82 x 54 feet in 20 years. The largest ever recorded is 100 x 70 feet with a trunk diameter of 4.3 feet.
The fastest growth rate on record is 6 feet!
The leaves have a flat base and 5 or 7 untoothed very triangular lobes. They are up to 7 x 8 inches in size and are reddish in spring turning to green in summer then to yellow ( rarely red ) in autumn. The leaves are smooth on both sides. Leaf stalks which are up to 3.5 inches long exude milky juice when cut.
The small yellow flowers are borne in upright clusters in late spring along with the foliage which is still verdant bright yellow-green at that time. The keys are up to an inch in size with spreading wings.
The bark is light gray and smooth.
Very rare in North America; this Maple should be much more widely planted. It is very adaptable and thriving trees have reached 91 feet in height in Tacoma, WA and 65 feet in Washington, D.C. ( where it grows at sw. Capital Park as well as Lafayette & Garfield Park ). The Coliseum Maple loves hot summers and is hardy from zone 4 to 8. Root suckers can sometimes be a nuisence. It is moderately drought tolerant.

* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europe's premier plant nursery


'Aureum'
gold new foliage in spring turns to green in late summer.
This cultivar burns badly in the Midwest unlike the Green form.

'Rubrum'
deep red young foliage in spring.

subsp. 'sinicum'
smaller growing ( record is 73 x 70 feet ) and native to mountain forests of western China and the Himalayas. The bark is rougher and the leaves have more sharply pointed lobes. Red fruit in the fall.

* photo taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photo taken on Apr 24 2016 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photo taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photos taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC


'Tricolor'
Deep red new leaves speckled with rose-pink

Acer carpinifolium ( Hornbeam Maple )
Native to mountain forests of Japan; this vigorous growing, rounded tree can grow up to 2.5 feet per year and reach up to 18 x 10 feet in 10 years. Eventually reaching around 50 feet in size; the largest ever recorded is 70 x 45 feet with a trunk diameter of 1.6 feet. Rarely seen in North America, it can be a good street tree where road salt isn't a problem.
The unlobed leaves have saw-tooth edges and are up to 8 x 3.3 inches in size ( usually 5 x 2 inches ). The conspicuously veined leaves appear early during spring and turn to golden-yellow during autumn often holding on into early winter. The heavily corrugated foliage resembling Carpinus ( Hornbeams ), is verdant bright green during spring, turning deep green above, paler & downy beneath.
The small yellow-green flowers are borne in hanging clusters during late spring along with the foliage. Male and female flowers are borne on separate trees so both trees need to be present within proximity to produce seed.
The branching habit is dense and the bark is smooth and light gray with conspicuous lenticels ( similar appearing Carpinus caroliniana does not have lenticels ).
Hardy zones 3 to 8 preferring deep, fertile soils. Easy to propagated from rooting cuttings taken in August.


* photo taken on April 11 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum

* photos taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


* photos taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photos taken on June 30 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on May 21 2014 @ Hampton Historical Site, Towson, MD

* historical archive photo


Acer caudatifolium ( Kawakamii Maple )
A fast growing tree native to the mountain forests of Taiwan. It is similar to Acer davidii but grows larger to 60 feet with the largest on record being 120 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet.
The leaves are heart-shape, up to 6 x 6 inches in size. They are somewhat papery in texture and are dull green in summer turning to fiery red in autumn.
The winged seeds are red. This rare tree is hardy from zones 6 to 10 but hates hot summers.

Acer caudatum
A slender large tree native to the eastern Himalayas, northern Burma, Manchuria and northern Japan. It is rapid growing ( record growth rate being 4.5 feet ) and the largest tree ever recorded is 66 x 3o feet with a trunk diameter of 5 feet.
The deciduous leaves have 5 triangular lobes with coarsely-toothed margins. The leaves are similar in appearance to Acer spicatum of North America but are dense bristly beneath rather than smooth. They turn yellow during autumn.
The winged fruits are up to 1.5 inches long in clusters up to 4 inches long.
The stems are very attractive and light green.
The bark is smooth and pale grayish-brown, becomming dark brown and heavily-fissured on very old trees.
Hardy zones 4 to 7, it is both very drought and wet soil tolerant.



subsp. ukurunduense
A subspecies native to Manchuria, Korea and Japan that is hardier north to zone 2 tolerating as cold as -50 F! Its 5 or 7 lobed leaves are up to 7.6 x 6 inches in size ( usually around 4 inches ) and are born on stalks up to 4 inches in length. The lobes are toothed and the very interesting foliage is yellow downy below.
Smaller in size; this variety only reaches up to 30 x 20 feet with a trunk diameter of 1 foot.

Acer cissifolium ( Vineleaf Maple )
A spreading moderate growing very dense canopied, medium-size tree, reaching around 50 feet, that is native to mountain woods of Japan. It can reach 11 feet in height in 4 years and eventually grow to 50 feet.
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 2 feet; 33 years - 32 x 36 feet with a trunk diameter of 1.9 feet; largest on record - 80 x 53 feet with a trunk diameter of 3 feet. A very large tree also grows at Morris Arboretum in Philly ( approx. 42 x 53 x 3 feet ).
This Maple makes an excellent small street tree. It is moderately long-lived, to 150 years or more.
The leaves are made out of 3 individual ovate leaflets which are bronze in spring turning to dark green and smooth in summer. They have coarsely serrated margins and turn intense red in autumn.
The pendulous flower clusters up to 4.7 inches produce abundant seed clusters.
The male and female flowers occur on separate trees.
Fertile seeds are rare since male trees are extremely rare and are needed to pollinate the female trees.
The bark is smooth and gray when young and later becoming yellow-gray with raised lenticels.
Drought tolerant and grows well on fertile, well drained acid soil. Hardy zones 4 to 8 and tolerates as cold as -30 F. A very rare tree well deserving of more use in the landscape.

* photos taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


Acer x conspicuum
The hybrid between Acer davidii & A. pennsylvanicum. It is a vigorous growing medium size tree sometimes growing at a rate up to 3 feet per year. The largest recorded so far is 60 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet.
The leaves have 3 or 5 lobes with the lower 2 usually being small. They turn to yellow in the fall and are usually around 5 inches long and wide, though in rare cases double that.
Hardy zones 4 to 9.
* photo taken on May 7 2014 @ London Town Gardens, Edgewater, MD


'Elephants Ear'
Huge leaves to 12 inches in length with no lobes. Bark is striped. Grows vigorously up to 3 feet per year.

'Silver Vein'
Very large foliage. The bark is the most conspicuously striped of all the Snakebark Maples. Averages about 14 x 6 feet in 10 years.

'Silver Cardinal'
Very showy foliage that is green heavily mottled white with pink veins. The leaves are borne on scarlet leafstalks. The bark is maroon striped silver.

Acer x coriaceum
A hybrid between Acer opalus & A. monspessulanum. It forms a neat dome shaped tree with the largest recorded so far being 60 x 60 feet with a trunk diameter of 3 feet.
Very vigorous growing; it holds its broadly ovate, leathery, 3 lobed leaves very late into the fall usually well into December. The leaves are up to 4 inches across.
Hardy zones 5 to 8.

Acer coriaceifolium ( Cinnamon Leaf Maple )
A very rare, fast growing tree, reaching a maximum height of 50 x 20 ( rarely over 30 ) feet, that is native to Yunnan and Gangxi Provinces in far southern China as well as Taiwan.
The unlobed, oblong or elliptical leaves, up to 5 x 2 inches in length. The very leathery foliage is glossy mid-green above, pale green beneath.
The bright yellowish-green flowers are borne in terminal clusters during late spring.
The bark is light brown.
Hardy zones 8 to 10.

Acer crataegifolium ( Hawthorn Leaf Maple )
A rapid growing small tree native to Japan; the largest on record is 33 x 33 feet with a trunk diameter of 1 foot, though I suspect on ideal sites with great age 50 x 33 feet is possible. This extremely rare tree has hardly been tested in the U.S. The fastest growth rate on record is 4 feet.
The ovate leaves are up to 3 x 3 inches in size. The foliage is bright yellowish-green at first during spring, turning to deep blue-green above and paler beneath.
The small, yellowish-white flowers are borne on upright racemes up to 2 inches long.
Bark is green with vertical stripes.
Hardy zone 5 to 8. Good on almost any fertile soil in sun or part shade.

subsp. 'Macrophyllum'
Large leaves up to 7 inches long and 3 inches wide.

'Veitchii'
Striking white and pink variegation on deep green background. The foliage turns pink & red-purple during autumn.
One clone of Acer crataegifolium has black-purple fall color that is reported to be the DARKEST OF ALL MAPLES

Acer davidii ( Snakebark Maple )
A fast growing, medium-sized tree, reaching around 50 feet, that is native to Sichuan Province, China.
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 5 feet; 5 years - 13 feet tall and 4 inches in diameter; 10 years - 20 x 16 feet; 15 years - 27 x 20 feet; 20 years - 40 x 20 feet; largest on record - 77 x 50 feet with trunk diameter of 4 feet. A very large tree grows at Taylor Arboretum in Wallingford, PA near Philly.
The cordate, toothed but unlobed leaves are up to 8 x 5 inches in size. The foliage is verdant bright green at first, turning to glossy deep green, the usually turning crimson-red late in the fall. The leaves are born on red leafstalks.
The yellow flowers are borne in drooping racemes, up to 3 inches long, with the emerging foliage during mid-spring.
The very attractive bark is smooth and green with vertical white stripes.
Hardy zones 4 to 8. The Snakebark Maple is very easy to grow from seed and is very tolerant of hot humid summers and flooding.

* photos taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


* photos taken on Mar 18 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photos taken on Aug 5 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photo taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photo taken on Nov 10 2020 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photo taken on Aug 30 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC


'Earnest Wilson'
More compact with narrower leaves that turn to orange during autumn.

'George Forrest'
More open with spreading branches.
Its large, unlobed leaves, to 8 inches, are dark red at first during spring, turning deep green. Its fall color is not outstanding.



* photo taken on April 11 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum

* photo taken on Mar 18 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photos taken on Apr 23 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photo taken on Nov 10 2020 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD


subsp. grosseri
Similar but smaller to 40 x 20 feet in 20 years ( record size is 60 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 26 inches ) with smaller leaves ( to 6 x 5 inches ) that have brown hairs below and a double serrate edge. They turn scarlet in fall. Slightly slower growing - the record growth rate is 4 feet. Clay tolerant.

* photos taken on Nov 10 2020 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD


Acer diabolicum ( Horned Maple )
A moderate growing, medium-sized tree native to the mountain forests of Japan. It can reach up to 33 feet in height in 20 years and an eventual size of 50 feet. Very rare in the U.S.; there is one 50 x 40 feet growing in New Jersey. The largest Horned Maple ever recorded is 66 x 60 feet with a trunk diameter of 25 inches. The fastest known growth rate is 4 feet.
The coarsely-toothed. 5-lobed leaves are large ( up to 8 x 8 inches ). They turn to orange late in the fall and are borne on leafstalks up to 3.7 inches long.
The yellow flowers are borne in long pendulous inflorescences and are followed by red-brown bristly winged fruits.
The bark is dark gray and smooth becoming pebbled as the tree ages.
Very heat tolerant as well as flood tolerant; it is hardy from zones 3a - 8. The Horned Maple has alot of potential as a landscape tree in the Midwest and Eastern parts of the U.S. and Canada.

* photos taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


'Purpurea'
purple foliage constasts well with abundant pink flower inflorescences

Acer distylum ( Linden Leaf Maple )
A rare medium-size tree native to Honshu Island in Japan. It is moderate growing up to 20 feet in 10 years; 27 feet in 20 years; it rarely grows much larger at maturity. The largest recorded is 50 feet in height with a trunk diameter of 1 foot.
The leaves on this Maple resemble that of the Lindens ( Tilia ). They are up to 8 x 5 inches in size. The foliage is pinkish during early spring, turning to lush dark green then to yellow or sometimes red in fall.
Unusual for a Maple; the seeds are held in upright clusters up to 4 inches in length.
The seeds are difficult to germinate.
The shallowly-fissured bark is dark gray.
Hardy zones 5 to 8.

Acer x duretti
A hybrid between the Acer opalus & A. pseudoplatanus reaching up to 40 x 50 feet in size.
Its leaves are intermediate in appearance, are light green and up to 5 x 5 inches in size.
Hardy north to zone 6.

Acer elegantulum ( Elegant Maple )
A very rare moderate growing medium sized tree native to China. It can reach 15 feet in height in 10 years and eventually grow to 30 feet. The largest on record is 50 x 35 feet.
The 5-lobed leaves are papery thin and up to 4 inches in length. They are reddish-purple at first in spring.
Hardy north to zone 6a and grows well in sun or part shade.

Acer erianthus
A small tree similar in appearance to Acer palmatum with the largest recorded being only 33 feet in height and 1 foot in trunk diameter. It is moderate growing with the fastest rate recorded being 40 inches.
The dark green leaves to 6 x 5.5 inches in size are borne on stalks to 3 inches in length.
Hardy north to zone 6. Do not plant in full sun.

* photo taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


Acer fabri
An attractive medium-size tree widely native from the eastern Himalayas to southern China. It is moderate growing and the largest on record is 66 x 30 feet with a trunk diameter of 2 feet. One tree is reported to have grown to 7 feet in 4 years in North Carolina.
The unlobed foliage is glossy dark green with smooth margins. The leaves up to 6 x 2 inches in size are usually evergreen but will become deciduous during severe winters in the cooler parts of its range.
The small fruits are bright red before they mature.
Hardy zones 7 to 11; it prefers humid climates.

Acer ginnala ( Amur Maple )
A fast growing, long-lived, dense, spreading, small tree, typically reaching around 25 feet, that is native from eastern Russia; south to Mongolia, northeast China, Korea and Japan. Some records include: largest on record - 80 x 76 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet; 20 years - 37 x 33 feet; 5 years - 20 feet; fastest growth rate - 5 feet.
The toothed, 3-lobed, ovate leaves are up to 4 x 2.3 inches in size. The foliage is bright green at first, turning to smooth, glossy deep green during summer. The foliage finally turns to intense scarlet-red during early autumn. The
The fragrant, creamy-yellow flowers are borne on upright clusters, up to 2.4 inches wide, with the new foliage during mid-spring.
The fruits are up to 1 inch with red wings. They are borne in hanging clusters.
The bark is gray-brown and smooth.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 ( tolerating -50 F ), it enjoys continental climates with hot summers and cold winters; however does not enjoy drought. It is tolerant of pollution and shade and is happy in any fertile soil.

* photo taken in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on April 11 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photos taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD

* photos taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario



* photo taken on May 8 2011 in Bel Air, MD


* photo taken on Sep 20 2012 in Ellicott City, MD

* photos taken on Oct 17 2013 in Olney, MD

* photos taken on Apr 11 2015 @ Belmont Mansion, Elkridge, MD

* photos taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA

* photos taken on Apr 16 2019 in Ellicott City, MD

* photos taken on May 24 2019 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on July 10 2023 @ Collingwood Arboretum, Collingwood, ON

* amur maple in Ottawa, ON


'Flame'
Rich red autumn color

* photo taken on Jul 18 2017 @ Dominion Arboretum, Ottawa, ON

* photos taken on Jul 19 2017 @ Major's Hill Park, Ottawa, ON


'Red November'
Fast growing and rounded to spreading, reaching up to 20 x 24 feet in 20 years, eventually larger.
The bright green foliage turns to scarlet-red during autumn, It often turns a week later than regular Acer ginnala.
Hardy zones 4 to 8. This form was selected by Dr. Michael Dirr in Georgia and has superior heat tolerance.

'Red Slippers'
Straight trunked with a dense rounded canopy, averaging 20 x 20 feet in 20 years, eventually much larger. It is usually single trunked.
The mid-green foliage turns to intense orange-red during autumn.
The red samaras during summer add extra ornamental appearance.
Hardy zones 3 to 7

Acer griseum ( Paperbark Maple )
A moderate growing ( slow with age ) tree, reaching around 50 feet, that is native to mountain woods in central and western China where it is endangered. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 3.5 feet; 10 years - 20 x 20 feet; 20 years - 27 feet with a trunk diameter of 5 inches; largest on record - 75 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 32 inches. A large tree grows at Rutgers Gardens in New Jersey.
The trifoliate leaves are composed of 3 elliptical leaflets, up to 6 x 2 inches in size. The foliage is deep green above, bluish white densely hairy beneath. The foliage appears early during spring and also turns glowing scarlet-red late in autumn.
The winged fruits have unusually large seeds though the Paperbark Maple is usually infertile in cultivation.
The glowing orange-red, papery bark is among the most attractive of all trees.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 and tolerating as low as -30 F. It is heat and clay tolerant and also not prone to disease. To reproduce the Paperbark Maple collect ALL the seeds and do the float test - the good seeds sink. Then you want to soak the seeds in 180 F water followed by a 24 hour cooling soak.

* photos taken Feb 2009 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC


* photo taken @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, Maryland on April 2002

* photo taken on May 1 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photos taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD


* photos taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD


* photo taken on June 19 2010 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA

* photos taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario

* photo taken on August 4 2010 @ Stratford, Ontario

* photo taken on Aug 3 2012 @ University of Western Ontario, London, ON

* photos taken on Mar 7 2013 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photos taken on Mar 18 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photos taken on Apr 16 2017 in Pikesville, MD

* photo taken on Apr 23 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photos taken on Aug 5 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photos taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photos taken on Mar 8 2018 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* paperbark maple in St Thomas, ON

* photo taken on Aug 23 2021 in Goderich, ON

* photo taken on July 10 2023 @ Collingwood Arboretum, Collingwood, ON


'Cinnamon Flake'
A hybrid between Acer griseum and Acer nikoense. It is a fast growing, rounded, medium-sized tree, reaching an average of 12 feet in 10 years, 25 x 20 feet in 20 years, 30 x 30 feet in 30 years eventually larger. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 3 eet.
The leaves are composed of 3 leaflets. The mid-green foliage turns intense orange and red during autumn.
The attractive bark is orange.
Hardy zones 5 to 8, the leaves tolerate temperatures to the low to mid 20s.

Fireburst'
A moderate to fast growing form that is strongly central-leadered with a straight trunk and an upright-oval trunk, reaching up to 28 x 15 feet in 20 years, eventually larger.
The deep green foliage turns to intense scarlet-red during autumn.
The bark is intense orangish-brown.
Hardy zones 5+

Acer x 'Gingerbread' ( Hybrid Paperbark Maple )
The hybrid of Acer griseum x A. nikoensis. It is heat tolerant and fast growing ( up to 3 feet per year ) with cinnamon color bark. It reaches an average of 30 x 20 feet in 20 years, eventually larger.
The blue-green foliage turns glowing red during autumn. The leaves are larger than that of Acer griseum.
Hardy zones 5 to 8. 'Cinnamon Flakes' is similar with very late fall color.



* photo taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photos taken on Mar 18 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photo taken on Apr 23 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photo taken on Aug 5 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photo taken on Mar 8 2018 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photos taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC


Acer heldreichii ( Greek Maple )
A very attractive, moderate growing, rounded, medium-sized tree, reaching up to 80 feet, that is native to mountains of the Balkan Region of Europe and Greece. The largest on record is 100 x 60 feet with a trunk diameter of 3 feet. Average size in 20 years is 27 feet.
The 3-lobed leaves somewhat resemble Virginia Creeper. The sculptural 3 or 5 deeply lobed leaves are up to 7 x 10 inches in size. The foliage is glossy deep green above; blue-green beneath with brown hairs on the veins. The leaves turn yellow to red during autumn.
The bark is dark red-brown and smooth. The stem buds are black.
Hardy zones 5 to 8. Do not grow from seed source present where weed tree Acer pseudoplatanoides is present since they hybridize readily.

Acer henryi ( Henry Maple )
A spreading dome-shape tree that is a rare native of mountain forests in central China. The largest on record is 60 x 60 feet with a trunk diameter up to 3.4 feet. Typically a moderate grower around 2 feet per year; the record growth rate is 4 feet. One of the largest trees known grows in Philly, PA
Its leaves are made of 3 elliptic taper-pointed leaflets up to 5 x 2 inches in size. The foliage is red-bronze at first during spring, turning dark bluish green during summer. The leaves turn to scarlet-red during autumn. The Henry Maple leafs out early in spring and the leaves are usually hairy beneath.
The creamy-yellow flowers appear on slender racemes, up to 8 inches long, during spring with the unfolding leaves.
The winged fruits up to an inch in size are borne in drooping clusters.
The new shoots are slightly furry
The beige bark is smooth, eventually with conspicuous raised lenticels.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 tolerating as low as -30 F, it is hardy even in southeast Alaska.



* photo taken on May 1 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photos taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.



* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


* photos taken on October 17 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


* photos taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photo taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photos taken by Dr. Nick V. Kurzenko @ CalPhotos

* photos taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photos taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC


Acer hyrcanum ( Balkan Maple )
Native to southeast Europe and the Black Sea region; it is a moderate growing, rounded, medium-size tree with the largest recorded being 100 x 40 feet with a trunk diameter of 4.4 feet. Balkan Maple is long lived, exceeding 130 years in age.
The palmate 5-lobed leaves are 6 to 6 inches in size. The foliage is very glossy deep green above, bluish white beneath; turning to yellow or scarlet during autumn.
The greenish-yellow flowers appear during mid-spring with the emerging foliage which is also greenish-yellow at the time.
The light gray bark is very rough and plated.
Hardy zone 4 to 8.

Acer laevigatum
A large tree native to the mountains of Nepal, southeast China and Hong Kong.
The largest on record is 80 x 60 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet.
This Maple is similar in appearance to Acer fabri.
The leathery, lance shape leaves are usually evergreen and are up to 6 x 3 inches in size. The shiny bright green leaves can become deciduous and drop at 23 F
The olive green branches are smooth.
The purplish winged keys grow to 3 inches across.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 and possibly 6.

Acer laurinum ( Laurel Maple )
A tall evergreen tree native to the mountains of Indonesia, Malaysia, Burma, Hainan Province of China and the Phillipines.
It can reach up to 60 feet or more with the tallest on record being 157 feet. Moderate in growth rate, it can reach up to 22 feet in 10 years.
Its foliage is neither toothed or lobed and is laurel-like and elliptic up to 6 x 3 inches.
Hardy zones 8 to 11. No known data exists on it being tested in the southeast U.S. where it may be adapted. Extremely rare.

Acer lobelii ( Lobel's Maple )
A very fast growing columnar tree native to mountain woods of southern Italy. It is closely related to Acer cappadocicum. In 20 years it can reach up to 36.5 x 17 feet in size. The fastest growth rate on record is 5 feet and the largest tree on record is 100 x 33 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet.
Very erect habit with upswept branches; this Maple is excellent for planting on narrow avenues. It is a great replacement for the Lombardy Poplar. Lobel's Maple is moderately long-lived, to 100 years or more.
The palmately lobed leaves have 5 untoothed, wavy edged, lobes that end in a tapered point. They are up to 7 x 7 inches in size and are glossy dark green and smooth above in summer turning to yellow and sometimes orange in autumn. The shoots are bloomy blue-white. In the spring the leaves are verdant bright green at the time of the yellow-green flowers in upright clusters. The flowers later turn into winged fruit up to an inch in size.
The bark is light gray and smooth with shallow vertical fissures.
The Lobels Maple prefers hot summers and is hardy zones 5 to 9.
Easily grown from seed in autumn on any fertile well drained soil.

Acer longipes
A large tree native to China that can reach up to 82 feet in height with a trunk diameter up to 4 feet. It can grow fast with as much as 4 feet per year being recorded.
The 5-lobed leaves are glossy green and variable in size to 6.5 inches in width.
The foliage resembles Acer cappadocicum in appearance.
The yellow flowers occur in long clusters up to 8 inches in length.
Few seeds are typically set therefore this tree is rare.
The bark is smooth and gray
Hardy zones 5 to 8. Clones from western China should be tested in zone 4.

Subsp. 'Amplum' as described above.

Subsp. 'Catalpiifolium' ( Catalpa Maple ) is a clone "on steroids" reaching up to 100 feet in height with large foliage up to 11 x 10 inches in size. A fast growing, medium-sized tree, that is native to central China ( Northeastern Guangxi, northern Guizhou & Sichuan Provinces ). It is known to reach 10+ feet in 8 years and a tree in Devon that was 37 feet in 2006, reached 57 feet 10 years later.
Hardy zones 8 to 9.

Acer mandschuricum ( Manchurian Maple )
A very rare tree similar in appearance to Acer nikoensis that is native to mountains of eastern Russia, Manchuria & Korea. It is fast growing ( up to 6 feet per year ), reaching up to 50 x 35 feet in size. Some records include: largest on record - 100 feet. A 40 foot tree grows at Arnold Arboretum in Boston.
The leaves are composed of 3 individual narrow-oblong leaflets up to 4.5 inches long. The leafstalk is up to 4 inches long. The foliage appears early in spring and turns intense scarlet-red during autumn.
The bark is smooth and gray.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 ( possibly also 2b ) thiving even in south-central Alaska. It is very disease resistant. This beautiful tree should be planted much more in cooler parts of North America.

* photo taken on May 1 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photos taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD


* historic archive photo


Acer miatensis
Very endangered and native to central China; this attractive Maple looks like the North American Acer nigrum and should be used as an ornamental shade tree in North America. Its leaves are up to 5 inches in length and its bark is dark gray and flaking into long flakes. Hardy north to zone 5; tolerating at least -15 F with no damage.

Acer micranthum ( Komine Maple )
A very rare, moderate growing, small tree native to Japan with the largest recorded only being 36 x 25 feet with a trunk diameter of 3 ( rarely over 1 ) feet. Additional records include: 10 years - 10 x 6 feet; longest lived - 600 years.
The double-toothed, deeply divided, 5-lobed leaves are up to 3.5 inches in length. The foliage is deep purple during early spring turning to green in summer. The leaves turn intense orange and scarlet-red during autumn.
The flowers are tiny and viable seed is rare.
The smooth bark is dark brown.
Hardy zones 6 to 8 on just abut any well drained soil though fall color does tend to be better on neutral to acidic soils.

'Candelabrum'
Stronger growing with larger leaves

Acer miyabei ( Miyabe Maple )
Native to Japan; this Maple resembles the Norway Maple in appearance and is broadly-columnar eventually becoming rounded and dense. Fast growing; it can reach up to 30 feet in 10 years and the record growth rate is 4 feet. Eventually a medium-size to large tree; the largest on record is 90 x 82 feet with a trunk diameter of 3.5 feet. One tree almost 70 x 50 feet grows in Lisle, Illinois. A top rate shade tree with strong sturdy branches. Two other trees have exceeded 50 feet at Dominion Arboretum in Ottawa, Ontario.
The very attractive palmate 5-lobed leaves have blunt toothed margins and appear early in spring. They average around 6 x 6 inches in size with leafstalks up to 7 inches though the largest leaves on vigorous shoots reach up to 8 x 11 inches. The foliage is glossy bright green above, paler below; turning to red ( sometimes yellow ) during autumn.
The yellow flowers are borne in slender stalks soon after the tree leaves out.
The corky bark is gray-brown with orange-brown fissures; peeling in thin scales on older trees.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 and tolerates as low as -43 F. Very heat tolerant as well as tolerating drought, pollution, clay and salt. This rare Maple is rarely bothered by pests.

* photos taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD

* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA


* photos taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario







* historic archive photo


'Rugged Ridge'
Likely a hybird with Acer campestre. It is a medium-sized tree, reaching up to 45 x 35 feet in 25 years.
The very deep green foliage turns to yellow during autumn.
The bark is corky and rugged.
Hardy zones 3 to 7

'State Street'
Also called 'Morton'. It is fast growing and upright-oval in habit wtih an excellent strong branch structure. It looks somewhat like Acer campestre on steroids. It reaches up to 55 x 40 feet in 20 years, eventually larger. There is one exceeding 60 feet at Morton Arboretum near Chicago.
The deep green foliage turns to yellow during autumn.
The showy bark is corky. Hardy zones 5 to 9, it even thrives on the southern Great Plains.

Acer mono ( Painted Maple )
Also known as Acer pictum; this Maple is a spreading dome-shaped, large tree native to eastern Siberia, Mongolia, Manchuria, central & eastern China, Korea and Japan. It is often found on river plains in the wild. It can be fast growing with growth rates as much as 5 feet being recorded however 33 feet in height in 20 years is considered normal. The largest Painted Maple on record is 90 x 67 feet with a trunk diameter of 6.6 feet. A very large tree grows at Morris Arboretum in Philly. This beautiful tree look in appearance like an oversized Japanese Maple. Long-lived, it can live as long as 500 years.
The 5 or 7 lobed leaves are up to 8 x 7 inches in size. They are borne on leafstalks up to 4.5 inches in length. The glossy bright green foliage appears early in spring. The leaves turn to scarlet-red during late autumn. The sap on broken leaves and twigs is milky white.
The spring flowers are greenish-yellow.
The beautiful bark is smooth and yellow-gray.
Hardy zones 4 to 7 ( seed source from Inner Mongolia may be hardy to 2b ); this Maple is lime and heavy clay tolerant and can become invasive in the eastern U.S. It thrives in the Ottawa Valley of Ontario where it may exceed performance of Norway Maple.

* photos taken on April 11 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC



* photo taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photo taken on Apr 17 2016 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photos taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photos taken on Aug 30 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC

* photo taken by Dr. Nick V. Kurzenko @ CalPhotos


Acer monspessulanum ( Montpelior Maple )
A rounded, medium-size tree native to the Mediterranean Sea region, with local occurences as far north as Austria, southern Germany & Romania. It is similar in appearance to Acer campestre and is a moderate grower on good sites where it can reach over 40 feet. The largest on record is 65 x 60 feet with a trunk diameter of 4.5 feet. The world record is at Paris, France however another tree of 60 feet grows at Tacoma, Washington. The Montpelior Maple averages 33 x 20 feet in 20 years however the record growth rate is much faster at 3 feet per year. It makes a great street and urban tree for limited spaces.
The untoothed, 3-lobed leaves are up to 3.3 x 3.3 inches in size. The semi-evergreen, thick, leathery foliage is smooth, glossy deep green above; blue-green beneath. The new foliage appears late in the spring and turns reddish during late autumn. Unlike similar looking Acer campestre; the Montpelior Maple does not produce milky sap when its twigs and leaves are broken.
The greenish-yellow flowers are borne during late spring or early summer.
The winged fruits are up to an inch in size and are produced in long pendulous clusters.
The bark is dark gray and smooth, later becoming fissured.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 and drought tolerant. It is surprisingly hardy at Dominion Arboretum in Ottawa, Ontario however is stunted in habit there. Makes an excellent lawn tree.

* photos taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD




* historical archive photo

subsp. 'Turcomanicum'
A subspecies native from Iran to southern Turkmenistan, which forms a very ornamental small tree.
The 3-lobed leaves, up to 1.6 x 2 inches in size, are grayish-green.
The showy fruits are yellow-winged.
Hardy zones 5 to 8, it is exceptionally heat, drought and cold tolerant. It may have great potential as a landscape tree in the Rocky Mountains and central U.S.

Acer morifolium ( Mulberry Leaf Maple )
A very vigorous, spreading, often spreading tree reaching up to 50 feet in height; this Maple is similar in appearance to Acer capillipes. The broad unlobed to 3 lobed foliage is shiny bronze or pinkish-green in spring turning to deep green in summer. The very attractive autumn color is orange and red. The botanical name describes the leaves which somwhat resemble that of the Mulberry.
Hardy zones 6b to 9. Direct winter sun can sometimes split the bark on young trees.

Acer nikoensis ( Nikko Maple )
Also called Acer maximowiczianum. A beautiful broadly-spreading, large tree native to eastern China and Japan where it is now rare. It is a moderate grower reaching up to 36 x 17 feet in 20 years. The largest on record is 82 x 60 feet with a trunk diameter of 4.3 feet. The maximum growth rate on the Nikko Maple is 2 feet per year. Long lived; it can survive for up to 400 years in age. It is often found on rich bottomland woods in the wild.
Its trifoliage leaves are composed of ovate or elliptical 3 leaflets with the center one reaching up to 8 x 3 inches in size. The foliage is smooth dark green above, furry blue-white beneath; turning turn brilliant scarlet-red during autumn. The leaves remain on the trees late in the fall lasting well into November. The foliage is bronze in early spring.
The small yellow flowers in spring are borne in clusters of 3.
The smooth bark is gray-brown.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 tolerating as cold as -30 F.

* photos taken on Apr 23 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photos taken on Aug 5 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photos taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photos taken on Nov 10 2020 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photos taken on June 19 2023 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey, PA


Acer nipponicum
A rare, medium-sized tree native to Japan ( especially Honshu & Kyushu ). It is attractive and vigorous forming a dome shaped canopy with the tallest on record being 66 feet in height ( 50 feet recorded in Netherlands ) with a trunk diameter of 16 inches. It can be expected to reach around 24 feet in 20 years.
The double-toothed foliage is similar in appearance to Acer pennsylvanicum; have 5 shallow lobes and are up to 10 x 10 inches in size. The tropical looking foliage is dark green above and has fine rusty hairs beneath.
The flowers grow in long drooping inflorescences.
The smooth to lightly fissured bark is greenish-gray to dark brown. In winter the branching habit looks like that of Liquidambar.
Hardy zones 6 to 8 in sun or part shade.

* photo taken on April 11 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photo taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photos taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


Acer niveum
Native to Sumatra & Java; this tropical Maple becomes a large tree to 150 feet in height. Its evergreen foliage is oblong to 8 x 3.5 inches on leaflstalks up to 3 inches in length. Hardy in zone 10

Acer oblongum
An attractive, long-lived, fast growing, medium-size, semi-evergreen tree, that is native from the Himalayas to western China. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 5 feet; 5 years - 21 feet; 9 years - 30 feet; largest on record is 80 x 40 feet with a trunk diameter of 2.5 feet. A tree of 40 x 40 feet is recorded growing in Los Angeles.
The unlobed, oblong, leathery foliage is pink-bronze in spring turning to dark shiny green above and light bluish and waxy beneath.
The leaves reach up to 7 x 3 inches and are borne on stalks up to 3.5 inches in length.
It is widely planted in southern China and has been planted on occasion in the U.S. ( recorded in California & North Carolina ) and has potential over much of the Deep South. Its seeds sprout readily and it is hardy from zones 7 to 11

Acer oliverianum ( Oliver Maple )
A rare tree native to Yunnan & Hubei Provinces in China. It is strong and fast growing and grows to be a medium size shade tree. The largest on record is 80 x 25 feet with a trunk diameter of 3.5 feet.
The thick textured leaves are shaped like the Sweet Gum and are up to 5 x 5.5 inches in size. They appear late in spring and are bronze turning to dark green then to orange-red over a long period in the fall.
Young shoots are purplish-green.
The winged fruits are up to 1 inch long and the keys are widely angled.
Hardy zones 5 to 8; this Maple requires hot summers to thrive.

* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA





* photos taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


subsp 'wuyuanense ( Wuyuan Maple )
See Acer wuyanensis

Acer opalus ( Italian Maple )
Native to mountains of southern Europe ( from France to Switzerland to Hungary; south to Spain to southern Italy ) & Morocco; the Italian Maple forms a large dome-shaped tree. It can reach up to 60 x 20 feet in 20 years and eventually grow to around 80 feet. The largest on record is 105 x 65 feet with a trunk diameter of 5.2 feet. It is moderately long-lived, up to 150 years or possibly more. Used for reforestation in its native range.
The leaves somewhat resemble that of Acer pseudoplatanus and are up to 7 x 7 inches in size ( 5 inches is average ) with 3 to 5 bluntly-toothed lobes. They are glossy deep green above and are paler below with fine brown hairs. The foliage often turns red during autumn.
The small, bright yellow flowers are borne during early spring.
The gray bark is tinged pink and peels in large square plates.
Hardy zones 5 to 8. Very lime tolerant and loves hot summers.

* excellent photo link
http://www.zelen.cz/detail_galerie_rostlin/Acer_opalus_javor_italsky/hlasuj/31

subsp 'obtusatum' ( Bosnian Maple )
Also called Acer obtusatum. Similar except with the foliage being hairier beneath. Its natural range is also further east; in Albania & Greece.
It is somewhat smaller in size, reaching around 45 feet. It is somewhat hardier than the species, surviving even as far north as Ottawa, Ontario where it occurs as a dieback shrub.

Acer paxii ( Evergreen Maple )
A dense, rounded, medium-sized tree, that is native to mountains of southwest China. It is slow growing ( up to 1 foot per year ) and reaches a maximum size of is 50 x 47 feet with a trunk diameter of 2.6 feet.
The thick leathery, un-lobed ( rarely 3-lobed ), obovate leaves, up to 5 x 2.4 inches in size, are glossy bright green.
The bark is light gray.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 and is an excellent landscape tree for the Deep South.

Acer pectinatum ( Looseflower Maple )
Formerly called Acer laxiflorum; it is native to mountain woods of central & western China as well as the Himalayas. Its growth habit and foliage is very similar to Acer davidii. Moderate growing; it can reach 50 feet or more. The largest recorded is 80 x 30 feet with a trunk diameter of 3 feet.
The dark green foliage is similar to Acer davidii except the leaves are not shiny and reach up to 8 x 6.5 inches. They turn scarlet in autumn.
The bark is pale green streaked white.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 and does not like dry or alkaline soils.

subsp. 'forrestii'
bark of younger trees and branches is coral-red and vertically striped with white

Acer pentaphyllum
An elegant and striking, rounded small tree native to Yalung River Valley in Sichuan Province in China. It is believed to be extinct in the wild. Moderate growing; it can reach 15 feet in 10 years. The fastest growth rate recorded is 40 inches and the largest known tree is 36 x 31 feet with a trunk diameter of 3 feet.
The palmate leaves ( up to 4 inches wide ) are deeply divided to the base into 5 narrow lobes. The foliage appears late during spring and is bronze at first turning to green above and whitish below. The foliage turns to orange in the fall and is supported on stalks that are long and reddish all season.
The lightly peeling bark is light brown.
It is rare in cultivation because it is propagated by grafting onto rootstock which is not related, such method is difficult. Seed production is sparse on cultivated trees but can also be used.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 preferring a site protected from excessive wind.

Acer pilosum stenolobium
An extremely rare Maple native to China which is an upright small tree reaching up to 30 feet. It grows well in the eastern U.S. as far south as North Carolina and reaches up to 13 feet in 6 years.
The dark green leaves are 5 narrow fingered and turn to yellow in autumn.
Hardy from zones 5 to 8 and tolerates hot humid summers.

* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA



Acer platanoides ( Norway Maple )
A large shade tree that is broadly columnar in habit becoming rounded and spreading with age. The Norway Maple is fast growing and can reach 80 feet or more. It is a widespread native of northern and central Europe ( north to southern Sweden and Norway ). It is also found locally in mountains of southern Europe. The largest trees ever recorded reach up to 140 x 120 feet with trunk diameters up to 8 feet. Some cultivated trees have already reached large sizes in North America including: New Paltz, N.Y. - 140 x 120 feet; Wayne County, Michigan - 102 x 85 feet; Hamilton College, Clinton N.Y. - 120 x 70 x 5 feet; Allegan, Michigan - 105 x 91 x 4.5 feet. The Ontario, Canada champion is 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 5 feet in Toronto. Some growth records include: fastest growth rate - 6 ( reports of 8 ) feet; 5 years - 20 feet; 50 years - trunk diameter of 2.2 feet.
Long lived with 366 years being the record. It has naturalized in eastern North America to as far north as Sault Ste Marie and Tobermory, Ontario and is considered to be invasive in some regions.
The leaves are palmately 5-lobed and somewhat resemble the Platanus ( Sycamores ) in shape. The foliage is glossy mid-green turning to clear yellow to orange late in autumn. The leaves are borne on long slender stalks, up to 8 inches long, that bleed milky sap when cut. The milky sap distinguishes it from the similar looking Sugar Maple which has clear sap.
The flowers appear early in spring just before the tree leafs out. The small, greenish-yellow flowers are borne on showy clusters up to 3 inches in size.
They are followed by wide-angled winged fruits up to 2 inches across.
The bark is brown and smooth becoming ridged as the tree ages. Long before Europeans colonized America, the Norway Maple was being tapped for its sugar in Scandinavia. Many people have this tree growing in their yard and have no idea that is it one of the better sugar producers of all Maples.
The Norway Maple can be weedy in some areas. It also casts very dense shade and has shallow roots killing turf beneath it. Some forms suffer leaf scorch in hot summer weather and also leaf blight limiting its usage in some areas. Do NOT use lawn weed killers within the root zone of the Norway Maple as they can easily kill it.
Hardy zones 2 to 8, trees in the Ottawa Valley of Ontario ( alltime lows -39 F ) have shown dieback during first few winters then full hardiness after. This deep rooted tree is salt, compaction and pollution tolerant. Young trees with thin bark should have their trunks wrapped with appropriate wraps during winter to protect from sunscald on sites where this may be a problem.

* photo taken on Apr 13 2015 in Mt Airy, MD

* photo taken by W.D. Brush @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

* photo taken on Apr 23 2015 in Ellicott City, MD

* photo taken on July 25 2015 @ Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

* photo taken on July 27 2015 in Bayfield, ON

* photo taken on Oct 23 2015 in Ellicott City, MD

* photo taken on July 16 2016 in Bayfield, ON

* photo taken on Aug 29 2016 in Wilkes-Barre, PA

* photos taken on Jul 18 2017 @ Dominion Arboretum, Ottawa, ON

* photo taken on Jul 17 2017 in Ottawa, ON

* photos taken on Nov 4 2019 in Columbia, MD

* historic archive photos


'Alberta Park'
Vigorous and extremely cold hardy. Resistant to frost cracking. Otherwise similar to Acer platanoides

'Columnare'
Upright in habit, eventually reaching up to 72 x 20 feet. Older trees may be prone to breakage.

* photo taken on July 26 2015 @ Niagara Parks Bot. Gardens, Niagara Falls, ON

* columnar norway maple in Ottawa, ON


'Crimson King' ( Crimson King Norway Maple )
Foliage is deep red in spring turning to shiny deep purple in summer then to orange and red in fall. Otherwise similar to Acer platanoides. Fast growing with the same rate as Acer platanoides.

* picture taken near Wilkes-Barre, PA on August 2004

* photo taken on May 1 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photo taken on August 2 2010 in Bayfield, Ontario

* photos taken on August 4 2010 @ Stratford, Ontario


* photo taken on Aug 3 2011 in Luzerne Co, PA

* photo taken on Aug 3 2012 @ University of Western Ontario, London, ON

* photo taken on June 1 2014 @ Maryland Horticulturalist Society, Columbia

* photo taken on July 1 2015 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on July 25 2015 @ Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

* photos taken on July 27 2015 in Bayfield, ON

* photo taken on July 15 2016 in Lions Head, ON

* photo taken on Aug 29 2016 in Luzerne Co., PA

* photos taken on May 10 2017 in Luzerne Co., PA

* photos taken on July 17 2018 in Orillia, ON

* photos taken on May 15 2020 in Columbia, MD


'Crimson Sentry'
Columnar, dense and slow growing to 2 feet per year. It reaches an estimated maximum size of 40 x 15 feet.
The foliage is glossy and purple similar to 'Crimson King'

* photo taken on August 6 2010 in Windsor, Ontario


'Culcullatum'
Very shallowly claw tipped lobed with the leaves rounded or almost looking fan shaped. Very exotic. Vigorous growing; the largest recorded is 92 feet in height.

'Deborah'
Foliage emerges red-purple in spring turning to dark green in summer then to red in the fall. The foliage is thicker than that of regular Norway Maple and more scorch resistant.
Very fast growing; some records include: 1 year after budding - 12 feet; second year after budding - 15 feet with a trunk diameter increase of 1.7 inches.

* photo taken on July 26 2015 @ Niagara Parks Bot. Gardens, Niagara Falls, ON

* photo taken on July 17 2018 in Orillia, ON

* deborah norway maple in St Thomas, ON


'Dieckii'
Glossy dark green leaves turn from gold to red-brown in fall and are up to 8 inches in width. Some of the leaves are 3 short lobed and some consider this a hybrid with Acer lobelii. Hardy from zones 5 to 9 and originating in Zoschen Nursery in Germany in 1887; it can reach up to 66 feet in height.

* photos taken on Jul 18 2017 @ Dominion Arboretum, Ottawa, ON


'Drummondii'
Foliage is boldly variegated with wide gold margin that turns to white as summer progresses. It does sometimes require removal of reverted all green branches.
Dense in habit and slower growing to around 2 feet per year.

* photos taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario



* photos taken on Aug 1 2013 @ Stratford, Ontario

* photos taken on Jul 18 2017 @ Dominion Arboretum, Ottawa, ON

* drummond norway maple in Arnprior, ON

* drumond norway maple in Kitchener, ON


'Emerald Queen'
Tall and fast growing with a good branching habit. The leathery, glossy dark green leaves turn to gold in the fall. Drought tolerant.

'Laciniatum' ( Eagle Claw Maple )
An erect tree. Deeply cut leaves with lobes twisted into claw like projections.

'Lorbergii'
Vigorous and spreading. A smaller tree only growing to 50 feet. The leaves are deeply cut into 5 sculptured long pointed lobes. Medium green in summer they turn vibrant yellow and orange in fall.

'Palmatifidum'
Very exotic looking leaves are cut almost to the base. The lush medium green leaves are deeply cut into 5 lobes which are long pointed at the tip and smooth at the margin. The fall color is brilliant yellows, oranges and reds all at once.

'Princeton Gold'
Intense golden-yellow new foliage later turning to lime-green; otherwise similar to species.

* photos taken on July 25 2015 @ Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

* photos taken on Jul 18 2017 @ Dominion Arboretum, Ottawa, ON


'Royal Red'

* photos taken on Jul 18 2017 @ Dominion Arboretum, Ottawa, ON


Schwedleri'
Foliage is red in spring turning dark green in summer then to scarlet in fall.
Very similar to 'Deborah' but more of a bronze tone in summer.

* photo taken on July 17 2018 in Orillia, ON


* schwedler norway maple in Kingsville, ON

* photo taken on Aug 19 2021 in Elora, ON

* photo taken on Aug 22 2021 in Bayfield, ON


'Summershade'
Tall and rapid growing. The large leathery leaves are dark green and last later in fall than average. They are very resistant to scorching in hot dry weather.

subsp. 'Turkestanum'
From Turkestan; this regional variant has very large leaves, red twigs and is very heat tolerant making it a useful tree to the U.S. Midwest. Otherwise similar to Acer platanoides.

* photo taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario


Acer pseudoplatanus ( Sycamore Maple )
A valuable shade tree native to the British Isles & mountains of central and southern Europe. The Sycamore Maple grows fast and tall reaching over 100 feet. The largest on record is a truly massive 165 x 110 feet with a trunk diameter of 11 feet. Some other records are: fastest rate- 7 foot x 1.5 inch diameter; 5 years - 20 feet; 20 years - 82 x 60 feet; 80 years - 3.3 foot diameter and the U.S. champ - 110 feet tall with 4.5 foot diameter in Overbrook, PA. The average height in 20 years is 60 feet. The growth on the Sycamore Maple continues over a long period from April into August. This very attractive tree can live up to 800 ( rarely over 300 ) years. It is locally naturalized in eastern North America, especially around Bayfield and Goderich, Ontario.
The large palmate leaves, up to 7 x 7 ( ( up to 8 x 11 on vigorous shoots ) in size, have 5 rounded coarsely-toothed lobes. The thick leathery foliage is black-green and smooth above and blue-gray below. The Sycamore Maple leafs out bright green very early and turns to golden-yellow during autumn.
The pale yellow flowers hang in long trusses, up to 8 inches in length, during mid-spring.
They are followed in fall by numerous winged fruits up to 1.5 inches wide.
It can seed prolifically and become a weed in some locations. In England it practically is a weed tree.
The red-brown bark peels in irregular plates.
The timber is valuable for veneers.
Tolerant of pollution, clay, high winds, alkaline soils and salt laden winds.
Hardy zones 3 to 7, the Sycamore Maple grows best on deep soils. In the Ottawa Valley of Ontario ( alltime lows -39 F ), it shows a tendency to dieback during the first few winters then mostly to fully hardy after. This Maple is even hardy in Iceland where few hardwood trees grow. This is an excellent tree for extremely exposed sites by the sea.
The leaves scorch easily where summers are excessively hot. The Sycamore Maple grows especially well on Long Island, Cape Cod and cooler parts of New England and Ontario, Canada.

* photo of unknown source found on internet

* photo taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario

* photos taken on Aug 4 2013 in Bayfield, Ontario

* photo taken on July 25 2015 @ Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

* photos taken on July 16 2016 in Bayfield, ON

* photos taken on Jul 18 2017 @ Dominion Arboretum, Ottawa, ON

* photo taken on Jul 17 2017 in Ottawa, ON

* sycamore maple in Temuco, Chile

* photos taken on Aug 22 2021 in Bayfield, ON

* photo taken on July 8 2023 in Thornbury, ON

* historical archive photos


'Atropurpureum' ( Purple Sycamore Maple )
Foliage is dark green above and red-purple below. Often seeds true to type. Grows very large.

* photos taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europe's premier plant nursery

* photos taken on Jul 18 2017 @ Dominion Arboretum, Ottawa, ON

* photos taken on July 8 2022 in Goderich, ON


'Brilliantissimum'
Foliage is striking salmon-pink in spring turning greenish-yellow with green veins in summer. Fall color is poor. Much slower growing only reaching 20 x 20 feet in 20 years with a maximum size of 43 x 27 feet.

* photos taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europe's premier plant nursery


'Erythrocarpum'
spectacular bright red young fruits to contrast the foliage.
Reproduced by grafting in late winter to early spring. Seed raised plants are variable.
'Leopoldii'
Spectacular foliage is pinkish at first, maturing to green with gold speckling. Grows very large.

* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europe's premier plant nursery


'Nizetii'
The leaves have bold blotches of pinkish white above. They are purplish-green below. This cultivar grows slightly smaller with the largest on record being 100 x 75 feet with a trunk diameter of 5 feet.

'Worleei' ( Golden Sycamore Maple )
Foliage is rich gold-yellow but in the shade it is greenish. Grows large.

Acer pycnanthum ( Japanese Red Maple )
Very similar to Acer rubrum of North America but with smaller leaves to only 3.5 x 2.7 inches. The new foliage in spring is deep red. Some records include - largest on record - 82 feet in height and 6 feet in trunk diameter; 35 years - 55 feet with a trunk diameter of 20 inches. This Maple is recorded living to 1000 years of age! It is native to Japan where it is usually found in swamp forests.
The shallowly 3-lobed leaves are bluish-white beneath.
The showy red flowers appear during mid-spring.
The fissured bark is gray.
Hardy zones 5 to 9.

* photo taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC


Acer rubescens ( Morrison Maple )
Formerly known as Acer morrisonense. This Maple is native to Taiwan and is a fast growing tree to 66 feet in height. Some records include: largest on record - trunk diameter of 2.5 feet. This tree is long lived, potentially exceeding 100 years of age.
The leaves are 3 or 5 pointed lobed, up to 6 x 6 inches on prominent red stalks. This Maple leafs out very early in spring and the leaves are red before turning to green. The leaves also stay green well into November before turning crimson and this Maple is sometimes semi-evergreen with some foliage persisting through the winter.
The winged fruits occur in long pendulous clusters that lasts well into the winter.
The green bark is striped mid gray and light olive green.
Hardy zones 7 to 10

Acer rufinerve ( Red-Vein Maple )
A broadly-columnar, medium-sized tree native to mountain woods of Japan. On ideal sites it can be fast growing to 50 feet. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 5 feet; largest on record - 65 x 40 feet with a trunk diameter of 2.3 feet; largest in U.S. - height of 62 feet recorded in Seattle, WA.
The coarsely-toothed, 3 or 5 lobed leaves appear early in spring. They are verdant light blue-green at first turning to dark green above and paler with tufts of rusty hairs below becoming smooth as summer progresses. The foliage turns scarlet in autumn. The leaves are generally around 5 inches in length but may reach as much as 9.5 x 8 inches.
The yellow-green flowers are small and held in upright racemes in mid spring.
The bark on young trees is bluish-green with vertical white stripes and distinctive diamond shape marks. On older trees the bark becomes gray and fissured.
Hardy zones 5 to 7 and prefers partial shade in climates where the summers aren't too hot. It has been known to grow further north of zone 5 in the Ottawa Valley of Canada where it is reduced to being a shrub.

* photos taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.








'Winter Gold'
golden bark

Acer schneiderianum - Acer campbellii subsp 'schneiderianum'

Acer semenovii
Native to central Asia, Iran and Afghanistan; this Maple is a small tree, up to 20 feet, with small 3 lobed leaves to 2 inches in size.
It is a close relative of Acer ginnala and is considered a subspecies of it by some. It differs in having showy, abundant, pink fruits.
May have potential for the central U.S as it is cold and heat tolerant but not tolerant of humidity. Hardy zones 5 to 8. It should be tested in the U.S.

Acer sempervirens ( Cretan Maple )
A very rare, slow growing, densely-branched, small evergreen tree. This Maple can reach up to 17 feet in 20 years. Some records include: largest on record - 40 x 51 feet with a trunk diameter of 2 feet; longest lived - 288 years. One 40 feet in height does indeed grow at Worlitz, Germany. This Maple is native from southern Greece to Turkey; south to Lebanon and the Island of Crete. It is a popular subject for bonsai and is sometimes used as an ornamental small tree in western Europe.
The either unlobed or 3 lobed leaves are up to 2 inches in length, The leathery foliage is glossy deep green. This Maple may become semi-evergreen dropping most of its leaves in cold climates.
The bright yellow flowers are borne on upright clusters, up to 0.8 inches long, during late spring.
The dark gray bark is lightly fissured. The larger limbs are often twisted. The stems are glossy brown.
Hardy zones 6 to 9, it is recorded to have survived below 0 F for 7 weeks with an extreme temperature of -8 F. It is among the most heat and drought tolerant of all Maples.

* excellent photo link
http://www.plantae.ca/Sapindaceae/Acer/sempervirens/2622.html

Acer sikkimense ( Hooker Maple )
Native to Yunnan Province in China, Burma, Bhutan and Assam/Sikkim Provinces in India. It is a fast growing large tall tree to 50 feet in height with a trunk diameter up to 1.5 feet. Some records include: 7 years - 30 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 inches.
The foliage is evergreen though it can be semi-deciduous in cold climates. The leaves are ovate and leathery, sometimes with partially developed side lobes. They are shiny intensly bronze-red in the spring turning glossy lush green in the summer and to orange very late in the fall. They are up to 7 x 4 inches in size. The young shoots are reddish.
Hardy zones 7 to 9.

Acer sinense
Reaching up to 60 feet in height with a trunk diameter up to 1.5 feet; this Maple has thick leaves up to 6 x 6 inches that are reddish at first maturing to dark green above and white below. It may only be a subspecies of Acer campbellii

Acer sinopurpurascens
A very rare, moderate growing, medium sized Asian Maple. Some records include: 22 years - 31 feet with a trunk diameter of 10 inches.

Acer stachyophyllum ( Birch Leaf Maple )
Also known as Acer betulifolium. It is a small tree reaching up to 50 feet, that is native to mountain forests from northern India to western China, south into Burma.
The unlobed to 3-lobed, ovate to oblong, pointed leaves, up to 4.3 x 2.5 inches are glossy green, turning to yellow in autumn.
The bark is smooth and yellowish-brown.
Hardy to zones 5b to 8a; at least -15 F with no damage. Excellent fall color.

Acer sterculiaceum
Also known as Acer villosum; this Maple is native to a wide area of China and the Himalayas and is similar in appearance to the Norway Maple when young. It can become a large tree with thick branches and a spreading habit. The largest on record is 70 x 70 feet with a trunk diameter of 3.8 feet. Very vigorous; it can reach up to 33 x 20 feet in 20 years and the record growth rate is 4.5 feet.
The handsome leathery foliage is large up to 12 x 12 inches and the leafstalks are long up to 12 inches. The leaves are made up of 3 to 5 forward pointing lobes with few additional teeth. It is early to leaf out in spring.
Since the trees are of different sexes; seeds are rarely produced in cultivation. They are green and very large over 2 inches across.
The bark is dark brown and fissured.
Very heat tolerant and hardy from zones 5 to 9.

* photo taken on April 11 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Wash, DC

* photos taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.




subsp. 'franchetii'
Has hairier leaves, up to 8 x 6 inches in size that are always 5 lobed. They appear very early in spring.
This Maple reaches up to 66 feet in height and grows vigorously.

* photo taken on April 11 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum

* photo taken on May 1 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photos taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


* photo taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photos taken on Feb 8 2014 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photos taken on Apr 24 2016 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photos taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photos taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC

* photos taken on Aug 30 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC


subsp. 'thompsonii'
Very large leaves to over 12 inches across.
It is otherwise similar to the species.

Acer takeshimense
An extremely rare Chinese relative of Acer japonicum. Moderate growing, up to a foot per year and reaching up to 30 feet in height.
The foliage is deep green.

* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA



Acer tataricum ( Tatarian Maple )
Closely related to Acer ginnala; this Maple is native to China, Korea and Japan. It is a small, fast growing, broad spreading tree typically to 30 feet in height. With great age on ideal sites; it can grow much larger with the record being 80 x 75 feet with a trunk diameter of 3.7 feet. Fast growing; it has the potential of reaching up to 24 feet in height in only 5 years.
The shallowly 3-lobed, ovate leaves are up to 4 x 3 ( rarely 6 x 4 ) inches in size. Unlike, Acer ginnala; the lobes are not toothed. The glossy deep green foliage turns to brilliant orange and scarlet during autumn.
The greenish-white flowers are borne in panicles during late spring after the foliage emerges.
The abundant fruits are borne in long drooping clusters. They have wide red wings.
The thin pale brown bark is smooth at first; becoming shallowly fissured on older trees.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 and tolerating as cold as -50 F. Fairly common in cooler climates in North America; this Maple is tolerant of salt and alkaline soils. It is an excellent choice for the northern Great Plains and is recorded as growing to 25 x 30 feet in North Dakota. In Russia it is valued for farmland shelterbelts. It is generally free of pests or disease and grows well in both moist or dry soils.

* photos taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario


* photo taken on July 10 2023 @ Collingwood Arboretum, Collingwood, ON


'Bailey's Compact'
More shrublike and compact, reaching up to 10 x 15 feet in 10 years, and never exceeding 16 feet. The glossy deep green foliage colors well to reddish-purple during autumn.

'Mozart'
Pyramidal with a central trunk. Foliage turns scarlet in the fall.

'Patdell'
Vigorous, upright-oval to rounded tree.
Thick glossy green foliage turns to intense orange-red during autumn.

* photo taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


'Red November'
Displays superior red fall color in the southern U.S.; otherwise identical to species.

Acer tegmentosum ( Manchurian Maple )
A medium-sized tree, native to moist soil from eastern Russia; south to Manchuria and Korea. Some records include: largest on record - 60 x 36 ( rarely over 40 ) feet with a trunk diameter of 1.6 feet; 10 years - 20 x 17 feet; 30 years - 35 feet with a trunk diameter of 10 inches; fastest growth rate - 5 feet. It is closely related and similar to Acer pennsylvanicum in appearance.
The 3 or 5 lobed, papery leaves, up to 10 x 10 inches in size, are bright yellow-green at first, turning to bright green. The foliage appears very early during spring and turns to golden-yellow during autumn.
The greenish-yellow flowers appear on nodding racemes, up to 4 inches long, during mid-spring.
The young shoots are bluish and the older bark is green with white vertical stripes.
The winter twigs are yellow-green.
Hardy zones 2b to 8 in partial shade on moderately moist, humus-rich, fertile, well drained soil. Flood tolerant. Though especially well adapted to cool climates, it does thrive in part shade in the Washington, D.C. area and is also known to grow in Chicago, Illinois.

* photos taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.



* photos taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD


* photo taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario

* photos taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photo taken on Apr 24 2016 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photos taken on Apr 23 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photos taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA

* photo taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photos taken on Aug 30 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC


'White Tigress'
Pure white bark rivalling all birches. The bark should be protected from full sun.

* photos taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA




* photos taken on Apr 23 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD


Acer tetramerum ( Birchleaf Maple )
Also called Acer stachyophyllum. A moderate growing Maple to 40 feet with the largest on record being 66 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 3 feet. It is rare in the U.S. however well adapted. Reported to have grown to 4 feet in 3 years in North Carolina. The fastest growth rate recorded is 2 feet.
The foliage appears like that of the Birch and is up to 5 x 2.5 inches in size.
The younger stems are red, giving much winter interest.
Native to central China and hardy north to zone 6. Has been successfully grown in England.

Acer trautvetteri ( Red-Bud Maple )
Native to the Caucasus and northern Turkey and reaching up to 82 feet in height with a trunk diameter of 3 ( possibly up to 5 ) feet. Moderate growing with the fastest growth rate recorded being 3 feet. Endangered in Armenia due to decrease in natural habitat and being cut for its high quality wood.
This Maple has palmately deeply 3-lobed, coarsely-toothed leaves. The handsome foliage is glossy deep green above, blue-green beneath. The leaves are up to 7 x 8 inches in size and turn carmine-orange in the fall. The leaves are borne on long red stalks. They emerge vibrant bright green in early spring contrasting with the bright red bud scales.
The small yellow flowers are borne in small upright clusters in April.
The keys are red and spreading to 2 inches.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 and likes humidity and limestone soils. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of Acer heldreichii ( Greek Maple )

* historic archive photo


Acer triflorum ( Three Flower Maple )
The Three Flower Maple is a native to China & Korea with very ornamental orange-red distinctive bark. It is usually slow growing ( 25 x 20 feet in 15 years ) but can grow up to 4 feet per year on ideal sites and reach 90 x 45 fet with a trunk diameter of 26 inches though usually maturing at half that. The canopy is very dense on this storm resistant tree.
In the U.S.; a very large one grows at Arnold Arboretum in Boston.
Its leaves are composed of 3 leaflets, each up to 5.5 x 2.5 inches in size. It leafs out very early in the spring. The foliage is reddish at first, quickly turning to deep green, then finally turning intense red during late autumn.
The yellow flowers occur in small drooping clusters of 3 during mid-spring.
The bark is orange-red and peels vertically.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -40 F and grows well in sun or shade.

* photos taken @ U.S. National Arboretum on Feb 2009




* photo taken on April 11 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC


* photos taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photos taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD


* photos taken on May 17 2011 in Howard Co., Maryland


* photos taken on Aug 25 2011 @ Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College, PA


* photo taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photos taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photos taken on Apr 24 2016 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photo taken on Apr 23 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photos taken on Jul 18 2017 @ Dominion Arboretum, Ottawa, ON

* photo taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photos taken on June 7 2019 @ Univ. of Maryland, College Park


'Orange Aglo'
A small tree, reaching up to 30 x 15 feet.
The bright green foliage turns to intense orange-red during autumn.
Hardy zones 3+

Acer truncatum ( Shantung Maple )
A large dome shaped tree native to northern China, Manchuria to Sakhalin, Korea and Japan where it is a popular street tree. Outside of China it is rare despite that it makes an excellent shade tree that is very easy to grow. Moderate growing; some records include: 4 years - 10 feet in height and 2 inches in trunk diameter; 7 years - 19 x 13.5 feet with a trunk diameter of 6.8 inches; 15 years - 34 x 26 feet with a trunk diameter of 1.4 feet; largest on record - 90 x 80 feet with a 4 foot trunk diameter.
The 5 to 7 untoothed lobes leaves are up to 6 x 8 inches in size. They are reddish-purple at first in spring turning to very glossy deep green during summer. The leaves turn to flaming orange or red late in the fall. It leafs out early in spring and is one of the last Maples to drop its leaves in the fall. The foliage is very scorch resistant.
The fissured bark is brown.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 tolerating as low as -40 F. Very heat, drought, alkaline soil, urban and pollution tolerant; this Maple grows anywhere rainfall exceeds 20 inches in a year. It is much hardier in the U.S. Midwest and southeast than the Norway Maple. It is rarely bothered by pests or disease.

* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA



* photos taken on Apr 23 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photos taken on Jul 18 2017 @ Dominion Arboretum, Ottawa, ON

* photo taken on Aug 5 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photo taken on Aug 19 2021 in Elora, ON


'Fire Dragon'
Fast growing and upright, rounded in habit, reaching up to 20 x 13 feet in 6 years, eventually becoming a large tree. Some records include: 6 years - 20 feet; 4 years - trunk diameter of 2.5 inches; fastest growth rate - 5 feet.
The foliage is burnt orange at first during spring, before turning to deep green. The foliage then turns intense scarlet-red during autumn.
Tolerant of extreme heat ( even more than regular Acer truncatum ), even in Texas where it was discovered, it is also wind, urban and alkaline soil tolerant.

'Main Street'
Dense, upright, oval to rounded in habit. It is very fast growing, reaching up to 19 x 13.5 feet with a trunk diameter of 6.8 inches in 7 years, eventually becoming a large tree.
The foliage is reddish-purple at first, turning to yellowish-green then finally mid-green. The folige is intense orange-red even in warm climates and typically lasting 2 weeks.

'Norwegian Sunset'
A hybrid between Acer truncatum and A. platanoides. It is very fast growing with a straight trunk.
The leaves are up to 7 x 5.5 inches in size. The foliage turns to intense scarlet-red during late autumn, often into early December.

* photos taken on Jul 18 2017 @ Dominion Arboretum, Ottawa, ON

* photos taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


'Pacific Sunset'
A hybrid with Acer platanoides and is very fast growing with a very straight trunk.
The leaves are up to 7 x 5.5 inches in size. The very attractive, glossy foliage turns to scarlet-red during mid-autumn.

* photos taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


Acer tschonoskii
A moderate growing, deciduous small tree, reaching up to 30 feet, that is native to mountain forests from eastern Russia; south to far northeast China, northern Korea and Japan. Some records include: largest on record is 43 x 30 feet with a trunk diameter of 8 inches; 20 x 15 feet in 20 years; fastest growth rate - 2.3 feet. It can live over 50 years.
The double-toothed, 5 lobed, triangular-ovate leaves are up to 6 x 4 ( rarely over 4 x 3 ) inches in size. The papery foliage is reddish at first, turning to glossy deep green, then finally orange to red during late autumn. This Maple is also very early leafing out in spring when the new foliage is reddish in color.
The flowers are borne 5 to 10 in a panicle during late spring. Viable seed is rarely set.
The smooth bark is grayish-brown. The branches are green with inconspicuous stripes.
Hardy from zone 4 to 8 ( seed source from Jilin Province likely hardy to zone 2b or 3 ).


* photos taken on Apr 24 2016 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* historic archive photo


Acer tsinglingense ( Tsingling Maple )
A deciduous, medium-sized, tree that is native to central China. It is similar to Acer saccharum ( Sugar Maple ) in appearance and is closely related to Acer sterculiaceum subsp. franchetii. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 2.5 feet. It is endangered in the wild however has much potential as a landscape tree.
The 3 ( rarely 5 ) lobed leaves, up to 4 x 4.5 inches in size, are deep green above, bright green beneath.
The yellowish-green flowers are borne during mid-spring.
The bark is grayish-brown. The twigs are purple, the older branches are brown.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 and is very heat tolerant.

* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA




Acer velutinum ( Velvet Maple )
From the Caucasus and northern Iran; this Maple resembles Acer pseudoplatanus. It grows fast to 60 feet in 20 years and eventually much larger to 90 feet or more. The largest on record is 165 x 80 feet with a trunk diameter of 7 feet.
The long-stalked, coarsely-toothed, 5 lobed leaves are up to 10 x 12 inches in size. The attractive foliage is luxuriant deep green above; light green very downy beneath. The stalks are up to 12 inches in length. The leaves are somewhat drooping like Acer nigrum of the U.S. and also turn yellow-orange ( sometimes just brown ) during fall.
The yellowish-green flowers are borne in abundant large upright clusters up to 4 inches wide, during late spring.
They are followed by wide spreading pairs of winged fruits.
The bark is light brown and smooth.
Hardy zones 5 to 8; this tree requires hot summers to thrive. It is grown as a street tree in Russia and is well adapted though rare in much of North America. Easily grown from seed.

* photo of unknown internet source

* historical archive photo

* photos taken on Jul 18 2017 @ Dominion Arboretum, Ottawa, ON


Acer villosum - now known as Acer sterculiaceum

Acer wilsonii ( Wilson's Maple )
Rapid growing to a maximum of 45 feet in height. This Maple may be a subspecies of Acer campbellii. It is native to southwestern China.
The 3-lobed leaves are smaller to only 4 x 4 inches and are blue-green below.
Hardy zones 7 and warmer.

Acer wuyuanense ( Chocolate Maple )
A deciduous, small tree, reaching a maximum size of 50 ( rarely over 25 ) feet, that is native to the provinces of Jiangxi and Anhui in southeast China. Some records include: 15 years - 17 x 10 feet.
The 5-lobed leaves, up to 5 x 5.5 inches in size, are deep bronze at first, turning to glossy deep green above, bright green beneath. The foliage turns to orange-red during autumn.
The bark is solid green on young trees, turning to deep gray on older trees.
Hardy zones 6 to 9.

* photo taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC


Acer x zoeschense ( Zoeschense Maple )
A hybrid between Acer lobelii and Acer campestre; this hybrid Maple has larger purple tinged bright green leaves with 5 lobes. The shiny leaves are up to 8 x 5 inches in size.
A large tree; the record is 115 x 90 feet with a trunk diameter of 7 feet.
Hardy zones 5 to 8.

* photo taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


'Annae'
Leaves dark red at first later turning to green

* excellent link on Maples
https://www.horticopia.info/PlantXbot/Trees/Acer.html

4 comments:

  1. I want to plant some trees in my yard but I'm trying to decide what would be the best ones. This is really good to know, thanks for sharing. I can't wait for them to get big and provide lots of shade.

    l http://www.lighthouselandscape.com/about.html

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  2. You may wish to please include acer macrophyllium, Big Leaf Maple. It is indigenous only to British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and possible some in Northern California. It grows to a very large size and is almost endangered as it provides the lovely tigereye maple needed for guitars. It also can be tapped for maple syrup. It turns a lovely golden yellow colour almost to amber in the fall. The leaves are enormous and groves of them are stunning. The fallen leaves have a lovely sweet smell in the fall. Temperate rainforest deciduous giants. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_macrophyllum Though this is grows very large, it needs to be planted in parks and for anyone who has acreage. I believe with suburban and urban sprawl this lovely tree may become endangered. (as well lots of theft, stolen, sawn down trees in public wilderness areas because the wood is so valuable.)

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  3. I do have A. macrophyllum in a separate article just for native species. I've only been on the west coast once but did admire both the size of the Big Leaf Maples and the size of the leaves while hiking on Vancouver Island when I was 16.

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  4. Thanks for sharing the information with us. Keep on updating us regularly.
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    Plants Online

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