Acer caudatum
candle-shape maple
A deciduous small tree or multi-stemmed shrub to about 8m in height, with brown flaky bark and 5-lobed toothed mid-green leaves, downy beneath displaying intense shades of red and orange in autumn. Small pale green flowers in slender, upright panicles are followed by large winged greenish seeds in short spikes
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 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 | Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red Orange | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- 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
- Himalaya
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade in a sheltered location. See tree cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by grafting in late winter or softwood cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- City and courtyard gardens
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 coral spot, Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus
Get involved
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