Acer capillipes - Maple

Acer capillipes is an Asian botanical species belonging to the group of Snakebark Maples, much less known and widespread in cultivation than its cousin Acer davidii. As such, this small tree, also known as Red Snakebark Maple, is remarkable for the beauty of its bark, which is strongly veined with grey-green, white, and then brown-red over time. It also stands out for its ability to develop multiple trunks that give it a unique silhouette. Another asset of this small tree is its superb autumn foliage with flamboyant colours. Give it a prime location, not far from the house, to admire it in all seasons.

Originally from Asia, more precisely from Japanese high-altitude forests, Acer capillipes is a vigorous species that is resistant to cold, adapted to understory environments and humus-rich, non-calcareous soils, retaining a certain freshness throughout the year.

This deciduous small tree from the large Sapindaceae family (formerly Aceraceae) shows rapid growth under favourable conditions, reaching an average of 9m (30ft) in all directions. It has a habit that is upright, spreading, widely branched, and slightly arched, composed of several crowns supported by as many trunks. Each trunk is short, branching near the base. It is covered with a characteristic bark, whose pattern resembles that of a snake's skin during shedding. Its colour is a greyish olive green, longitudinally streaked with a slightly greyish white. Over time, the bark cracks to reveal veins of mahogany brown, leaning towards dark red. The opposite, lobed deciduous leaves are borne on red petioles. They are divided into 3 pointed lobes and can measure up to 15cm (6in) long and 10cm (4in) wide. They are light green in spring, then dark green at maturity, and display various shades of yellow, orange, and red in autumn before falling. In this monoecious species, both male and female individuals exist. In April-May, insignificant yellow-green flower clusters appear, measuring 10cm (4in). They are initially upright, then become pendulous. Female trees, in the presence of male individuals, will bear fruits called samaras. They are double, flattened, measure 3cm (1in) wide, and change from green to red when ripe.

Acer capillipes is a small tree that thrives in partial shade, on non-calcareous, humus-rich, and moist soils. It will become the centrepiece in any garden that can provide these requirements. This moderately growing maple will suit medium-sized gardens, highlighted in the centre of an ericaceous bed surrounded by understated perennials such as hostas, ferns, or bleeding hearts, for example. Be sure to choose its location carefully, preferably not far from the house or visible from a window to fully enjoy its beauty.