Acer opalus
Italian maple
A deciduous tree, to 25m or more in its native range, though often smaller in cultivation. Leaves are broad, shallowly 5-lobed, slightly glossy green, and often downy on the undersides. Clusters of small yellow flowers appear before the leaves in early spring, followed by winged seeds that are sometimes tinted silvery pink. Leaves turn yellow and rusty orange in autumn
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green Yellow Orange Brown | Green Grey Silver Pink | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright, 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil in sun or part shade
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
Get involved
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