About
Acer cordatum is a multi-stemmed evergreen tree that reaches heights of approximately 10 meters. It features smooth, grey bark and leathery, dark green leaves that are characterized by 2 to 3 lobes and measure between 6 to 8 cm in length, with a grey-green underside. In spring, the tree produces yellowish-green flowers, which are succeeded by brownish-yellow, winged fruits that appear in 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, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
- Native to
- China
Care notes
- Cultivation
- In frost-free areas grow in moisture-retentive, well-drained neutral to acid soil with sun or partial shade. In frost prone areas grow in a container and overwinter in a conservatory or frost-free greenhouse. See tree cultivation and container cultivation
- 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 chest scale
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus