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Acer obtusifolium

Cyprus maple

A semi-evergreen tree, to 8m high or more, with leathery, simple or shallowly 3-lobed, dark green leaves, often curved downwards at the edges. Tassels of small yellow-green flowers are produced in spring, followed by tan-coloured winged seeds that are often flushed with reddish-pink

Other common names
Syrian maple
Synonyms
Acer syriacum
Acer orientale var. obtusifolium

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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green Green Brown Red
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Sapindaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
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
Eastern Mediterranean

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in almost any soil, will tolerate some drought once established. May be deciduous in cold winters

Propagation

Propagate by seed in autumn or spring, or by softwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Minimal pruning required; see pruning group 1. Prune from late autumn to mid-winter 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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