Acer davidii - Hardwood - David Maple Page

Meet Acer davidii, also known as David Maple, a species of maple in the snakebark maple group that is native to China. It was discovered by French priest Armand David and later by Charles Maries during his visit to Jiangsu in 1878. This small deciduous tree can grow up to 30-50 ft tall with multiple trunks and a spreading crown of long, arching branches. The bark is smooth and olive-green with narrow pale vertical stripes on young trees that eventually become dull grey-brown at the base of old trees. The leaves are dark green above, paler below, ovate or weakly three-lobed, and turn to bright yellow, orange, or red in autumn. The small, yellow flowers have five sepals and petals. This species is ornamental for its snakelike bark and the autumn coloration of its leaves. It can grow in mixed forests in several Chinese provinces. If you're looking for an attractive and fast-growing tree, Acer davidii may be an excellent choice for your garden.