Acer cordatum

RHS Plant Profile
cordate maple
Shrubs Trees

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Sand, Loam

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Sand Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Sapindaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous, 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