Acer cordatum
cordate maple
Multi-stemmed, evergreen tree about 10m tall, with smooth grey bark, and leathery dark green 2-3 lobed leaves, grey-green beneath, and 6-8cm long, Yellowish-green spring flowers are followed by brownish-yellow winged fruits in autumn
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Brown Yellow | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous or Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Acer can be deciduous trees or large shrubs with paired, often palmately-lobed leaves and small flowers followed by characteristic winged fruits. Many have fine autumn colour, and some have ornamental stems
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
In frost-free areas grow in moisture-retentive, well-drained neutral to acid soil with sun or partial shade. In frost prone areas grow in a container and overwinter in a conservatory or frost-free greenhouse. See tree cultivation and container cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed (trees and shrubs), layering in autumn, grafting in late winter or softwood cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pruning group 1, if necessary, from late autumn to midwinter only
Pests
May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chest scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus
Get involved
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