Acer shirasawanum var. tenuifolium
slender-leaved Shirasawa maple
Small, deciduous, shrubby tree, rare in cultivation, about 6-8m in height, with bloomy shoots and narrow, delicate, bright green leaves, 5-8cm across with up to 11 lobes, margined with silky hairs, then leaves turn golden-yellow in autumn. Inconspicuous pinkish-cream flowers in spreading or upright clusters, produced in spring may be followed by winged, red fruits
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Cream | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Red | ||
| Autumn | Gold Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moisture-retentive, well-drained soil in a sheltered position. Leaf colour is best in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated if soil is reliably moist. Leaf scorch can be caused by lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure. See Japanese maples cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by layering in autumn, grafting in late winter or softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
Very little to no pruning required. For more advice refer to pruning group 1.
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
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