Acer davidii Viper - Maple

The Acer davidii Viper is a variety of David's Maple with a more moderate growth than other species, which makes it suitable for a small-sized garden. Like all snakebark maples, it is appreciated for the beauty of its smooth and mottled bark, entirely marbled with green and white. 'Viper' also stands out for its ability to develop multiple trunks, giving it a unique silhouette. Another advantage of this small tree is its foliage that changes throughout the seasons, turning a magnificent yellow-orange in autumn. Give it a prime location, not far from the house, to be able to admire it in all seasons.

The Acer Davidii, also known as David's Maple or Snakebark Maple, is a deciduous shrub from the Aceraceae family, originating from China. The 'Viper' cultivar is a smaller variety, growing up to 3.50 m (11 ft 6 in) tall and 2.50 m (8 ft 2 in) wide. It has a rounded and spreading shape, supported by thin branches. The trunk can be single or multiple, short, and branched near the base. The smooth bark is greyish-green with a pattern resembling snake skin during shedding. The leaves are oval-shaped with 3 or 9 leaflets, turning from red to light green to dark green before turning orange in autumn. In June, the shrub produces inconspicuous flowers that develop into winged fruits. The fruits can grow up to 3 to 5 cm (2 in) in length.

The Acer davidii 'Viper' is a small tree that thrives in partial shade, non-chalky and moist soils. It will become the centrepiece if your garden can provide these conditions that it appreciates. This variety with a modest stature will find its place in small gardens, highlighted in the centre of a heather soil bed among simple and elegant perennials such as hostas, ferns, or bleeding hearts, for example, plants that will not overshadow its unique personality.