About

Acer negundo 'Elegans' is a deciduous tree that grows rapidly, reaching heights of approximately 15 meters. Its young shoots are covered with a bluish-white waxy coating, and it features pinnate leaves that can grow up to 20 centimeters long. These leaves consist of vibrant green leaflets edged with a bright yellow margin, which transition to a golden-yellow hue in the fall. In spring, the tree produces racemes of greenish-yellow flowers, with male and female blooms occurring on separate specimens.

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
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
Higher than 12 metres
Spread
4-8 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden

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 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