About
Acer morifolium is an uncommon, deciduous shrub or small tree that typically reaches heights of around 10 meters. It often features multiple stems and displays an interesting bark with green and white streaks, while its young shoots exhibit a purplish-red hue. The leaves, which can be unlobed or possess slight lobes, measure approximately 10 centimeters in length and 5 centimeters in width. Initially, they present a glossy bronze-green appearance, transitioning to a deep green as they mature, and finally displaying golden yellow tones with red highlights in the fall. In spring, the tree produces yellowish-green flowers in drooping clusters, which give way to winged fruits that are yellowish-brown by 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
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Japan (Yakushima)
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow 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