Acer saccharum subsp. skutchii
Skutch's sugar maple
A large, deciduous tree, endangered in the wild, and native to cloud forests of Guatamala and Mexico where it reaches a height of 20m, much smaller in British gardens, with leathery dark green leaves that turn red late in autumn and persist until pinkish-red new leaves emerge in spring. Greenish-yellow spring flowers are produced in upright clusters, followed by reddish-brown winged fruits in autumn
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Red Pink | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green Red | Red Brown | ||
| Winter | Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- 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
- Guatemala & Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained, or well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. A forest tree, thriving on limestone. See tree cultivation for further advice
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
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pruning group 1, if necessary, from late autumn to midwinter only
Pests
May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus
Get involved
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