About
Acer campbellii subsp. campbellii is a substantial deciduous tree, reaching heights of approximately 18 meters, though it is uncommon in gardens. Its bark is smooth and grey-brown, transitioning from green in younger specimens. The leaves are palmate, featuring 5 to 7 lobes, and are glossy mid-green; juvenile leaves present with a red hue and deeper lobing. In the fall, the foliage turns a vibrant yellow. Late spring brings upright panicles of yellow flowers, which are succeeded by brown, winged fruits in early autumn.
About the genus
Acer consists of deciduous trees or sizable shrubs featuring pairs of leaves that are frequently palmately lobed. These plants produce small flowers that give way to distinctive winged fruits. Numerous species display vibrant autumn foliage, while certain varieties also exhibit decorative stems.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Sand, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in a sheltered location in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. See tree cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1 if necessary, from late autumn to midwinter only
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed (trees and shrubs), layering in autumn, grafting in late winter or softwood cuttings in early summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus