Acer velutinum - Common Bonsai,Hardwood - Velvet Maple Page

Embrace nature's beauty with Acer velutinum - Velvet Maple, a hardy broadleaf deciduous tree that can grow up to 40-50 feet high. This beautiful specimen is native to the Caucasus and northern Iran, but it has become a common sight as a roadside and street tree. Known for its substantial leaf size, surpassed only by the northwestern native big-leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), each leaf features five lobes, measures around 15-20cm across with some reaching up to 25cm, and bears a unique subcordate shape. The leaves offer a lush, bright green welcome on top and a soft, velvet-like touch beneath due to the fine short hairs, known as pubescence. Featuring yellowish-green flowers that bloom in erect, ovoid clusters of 8-10 cm wide, the tree can be counted on to sprout these blossoms after the leaves appear. Velvet Maple thrives best in spaces with sun or light shade and prefers moist soil. Aside from its engagingly sumptuous summer look, this hardy tree with its clean vigorous form makes it a robust addition to any landscape despite its less than vibrant autumnal hue. It is hardy to USDA Zone 5 and is relatively easy to grow and maintain.