About
Acer caudatum is a deciduous small tree or multi-stemmed shrub that typically reaches a height of around 8 meters. Its bark is brown and flaky, while the leaves are mid-green with five lobes and toothed edges, exhibiting a downy texture underneath. In the fall, these leaves transform into vibrant shades of red and orange. The tree produces small pale green flowers arranged in slender, upright panicles, which are later succeeded by large, winged greenish seeds that emerge in short spikes.
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, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens
- Native to
- Himalaya
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade in a sheltered location. See tree cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1, if necessary, from late autumn to midwinter only
- Propagation
- Propagate by 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 coral spot, Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus