SYNONYMS: Acer davidii ssp. grosseri
LATIN NAME: Acer davidii
COMMON NAMES: David’s Maple, Pere David’s Maple, Snake‑bark Maple
Acer davidii is an attractive medium‑sized deciduous
tree originating from mountainous regions of central and western China. Its most celebrated feature is the smooth ornamental bark, bright green overlaid with fine vertical white striping that creates a striking snake‑skin visual effect. Ovate, finely‑serrated leaves unfold fresh green in spring, shifting to warm golden‑orange and soft amber tones when autumn arrives. Drooping racemes of small yellow‑green flowers bloom in late spring, followed by paired winged samaras that mature through late summer. This hardy maple performs well as a specimen garden tree, in arboretum collections, and it also makes promising material for
bonsai cultivation.
Seed‑raised saplings develop robust root frameworks and preserve natural genetic variation across planting stock.
Cultivating David’s maple from seed delivers distinct practical advantages. Seed‑originated trees build strong, wide‑reaching root systems that adapt well to humus‑rich, well‑drained garden soils. Seed propagation offers an accessible route to produce large batches of young saplings when grafting material is limited. Natural variation within seed lots brings gentle differences in bark‑striping intensity and autumn‑foliage brightness among individual young trees.
Mature samaras are harvested in autumn once wings turn light tan. Separate seed units from dry leaf debris and chaff. Seeds benefit from a full sequence of warm‑moist conditioning followed by extended moist cold stratification to fully satisfy internal embryo dormancy. A 24‑hour room‑temperature water soak precedes the stratification cycle. Freshly harvested seed delivers the most promising growing performance.
Sow fully conditioned seeds into loose, humus‑rich, freely draining woody‑tree nursery substrate. Cover seeds with a moderate thin layer of fine loam. Bright dappled light shields tender new shoots from harsh mid‑day sunlight. Maintain steady mild substrate moisture and strictly avoid water‑logged conditions. Once dormancy requirements are fulfilled, vigorous seedlings push upward with steady energy.
Young seedlings develop characteristic serrated ovate foliage and slowly build woody stem strength over successive growing seasons. Careful thinning prevents overcrowding and reserves ample underground space for root expansion. Seedlings transplant smoothly during cool dormant periods and move into individual deep containers as they develop. Planted in sheltered sites with partial or full sun exposure, these seed‑raised saplings mature into graceful spreading specimens. Established trees display eye‑catching striped bark year‑round and deliver vibrant autumn leaf displays, bringing long‑lasting ornamental value to temperate gardens and arboretum landscapes.
Genus: Acer
Species: davidii d.w.
Common Name: David‘s Maple
Pre-treatment: required
Height / Spread: 9m/8m
Plant Type: Small Tree
Growth rate: medium
Vegetation type: ornamental decidious
Germination range: high
Leaf /Flower color: green/yellow
DESCRIPTION:
One of a number of maples renowned for their handsome white-striped green bark, this small deciduous tree is native to central China. A variable plant, it has an arching or upright, dense or open habit, and small to large, toothed, sometimes shallowly lobed leaves. Fall color may be brilliant or dull. The dangling winged fruits are often red-tinged and may be borne in spectacular profusion. They are preceded by inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in spring. Look for named selections such as ‘Serpentine’, which has a compact, upright habit, purple stems, and beautifully striated bark.
This lovely and underused tree likes well-drained, humus-rich soil and light shade. It is more tolerant of hot summers than are most other stripebark maples. Plant it in a woodland edge or as an understory tree, preferably where its colorful bark can be seen and appreciated at close hand.
.jpg "acer davidii seeds David's Maple of cnseed.org")
