Acer pectinatum (21/10/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to light shade
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 20m
Eventual Spread: 15m
Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Sapindaceae
Acer pectinatumis a deciduous tree with a rounded habit. Its dark green leaves are palmately lobed with up to 3 lobes, serrate margins, up to 25cm long and 20cm across. Its leaves emerge red in spring and turn yellow in autumn before they fall. Its smooth bark is green with white striation. Its yellow/ green flowers appear as grape like corymbs in groups of up to 40 after its leaves emerge. Its fruit is a double winged sumara.
Acer pectinatum Autumn Leaf (21/10/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
The species Acer pectinatumis, commonly known as a Snakebark Maple, is native to the east Himalayas region and south China. In its native habitat it grows in mixed forests.
The etymology of the binomial name Acer is derived from the classical Latin name for the Maple.
The landscape architect may find Acer pectinatumis useful as an attractive specimen tree with attractive bark and spring and autumn leaf color. It prefers a sheltered location.
Ecologically, Acer pectinatumis flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Acer pectinatum Bark (21/10/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Acer pectinatumis prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Acer pectinatumis requires little maintenance.
