About
Acer oliverianum subsp. formosanum is a slow-growing deciduous tree, typically reaching about 5 meters in height, although it can attain greater dimensions in its natural habitat. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown, complemented by slender dark stems. Its leaves are narrow, featuring 3 to 5 lobes, and can grow up to 8 centimeters in length and width, displaying a mid-green hue that transitions to shades of orange and crimson-bronze in the fall. In spring, the tree produces yellowish flowers, which give way to brown, winged fruits that mature in mid-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
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
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
- Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in any moisture-retentive, well-drained soil with sun or partial shade, sheltered from strong winds. Leaf scorch can be caused by lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure. See tree 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 chestnut scale
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus