Sheffield's Seed Company

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The Dawes Arboretum

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Growing Info

Scarification: Soak in water, let stand in water for 24 hours

Stratification: cold stratify for 90 days

Germination: sow seed 1/4" deep, tamp the soil, mulch the seed bed

Other: fall sowing in mulched beds is preferred to artificial stratification

Native to: Honshu, Japan, Shikoku

Native

Introduced

Acer capillipesAcer capillipes

Red Snakebark Maple, Snake-bark Maple

In Stock: 1.941 lb (Total:1.941lb)

Acer capillipes

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1.94 lb

Details

Germination:

76%

Germination test:

Cut (Full Seed)

Purity:

97%

Seeds per lb:

13,279

Quantity:

1.94 lb

Collected in:

Netherlands

Crop year:

2025

Min. hardiness zone:

Item ID:

1837249

Characteristics

Growing Info

Scarification: Soak in water, let stand in water for 24 hours

Stratification: cold stratify for 90 days

Germination: sow seed 1/4" deep, tamp the soil, mulch the seed bed

Other: fall sowing in mulched beds is preferred to artificial stratification

Native to: Honshu, Japan, Shikoku

Native

Introduced

Acer capillipes, commonly known as the Snakebark Maple or Snake-bark Maple, is a captivating addition to any landscape, offering both aesthetic charm and hardy versatility. Native to the mountainous regions of Japan, it thrives in USDA zones 5 to 7, reaching heights of up to 40 feet. Its defining feature is the striking olive green bark adorned with narrow, white vertical stripes reminiscent of a snake's skin, a characteristic that lends the tree its common name. The leaves emerge with a reddish hue in the spring, transitioning to dark green in summer, and delivering a spectacular display of orange-red in the fall, making it a year-round attraction.

This deciduous tree prefers part shade, especially in hot climates, but can also tolerate full sun. It flourishes in medium moisture, well-drained acidic soils, demonstrating optimal performance in cooler summer climates. The tree’s small, greenish-white spring flowers give way to distinctive winged samaras. With its dense, arching branches, Red Snakebark Maple serves excellently as a shade or street tree, though it is somewhat rare in cultivation. Low maintenance and free from serious pest woes, it's an eye-catching choice for any garden enthusiast.