Acer caudatifolium
Kawakami maple
A small to medium-sized, densely-branched tree reaching up to 12m in cultivation with smooth green to reddish-green bark marked with faint white stripes. Dull green leaves, paler on the undersides with serrated margins, are usually unlobed but may have three shallow lobes; leaves are up to 11cm long by 4.5cm wide, tapering to a point and turn shades of red, orange and yellow in autumn. Racemes of small purple to white flowers in spring are followed by reddish winged fruits in autumn that turn yellow as they mature
Other common names
snake-bark mapleBuy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green Red White | Purple White | Green | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green Red White | Green | ||
Autumn | Green Red White | Red Orange Yellow | Red Yellow | |
Winter | Green Red White |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
- Taiwan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
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
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.