Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Acer davidii 'Ernest Wilson'

Père David's maple 'Ernest Wilson'

A deciduous tree, more compact than the species, to 8m, with arching branches and green- and white-streaked bark. Pale green leaves turn orange in autumn, and the catkin-like, pale yellow flowers are followed by pinkish-brown, winged fruit

Join the RHS

Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year

Join now
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green White Yellow Green
Summer Green White Green
Autumn Green White Orange Green Brown Pink
Winter Green White
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical 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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade

Propagation

Propagate by grafting or softwood cuttings

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

Pruning group 1

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.