Acer morifolium
mulberry-leaf maple
Very rare, deciduous shrubby tree about 10m tall, often multistemmed, with white streaked green bark, and purplish-red young shoots. Unlobed or slightly 3-5 lobed leaves are 10cm long and 5cm wide, shiny bronze-green when young maturing to dark green, then golden yellow with red tints in autumn. Yellowish-green spring flowers in hanging clusters are followed by yellowish-brown winged fruits in autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Red | Yellow Green | Bronze Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple Red | Gold Yellow Red | Yellow Brown | |
| Winter | Purple Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical 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
- Plant range
- Japan (Yakushima)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. 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
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
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