Acer acuminatum (Tapering Leaf Maple)


Botanical Information

FamilySapindaceae (Aceraceae)
GenusAcer
Speciesacuminatum
SynonymsAcer caudatum
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginChina, India, Nepal and Pakistan.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
The leaves are sometimes used for making a tea substitute.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5 - 6
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4a - 6a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H6
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-26) - (-18)
Temperature (°F)(-15) - 0
Height10 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMarch, April

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThis species has been placed on the IUCN Red List as least concern.
PropagationFor best chance at germination is the following spring, seed should be sown immediately upon ripening in a cold frame. Pre-soak stored seed for a full day followed by 2 - 4 months of stratification at 1 - 8°C. Seed is slow to germinate but can be harvested green for immediate sowing.
Notable SpecimensWestonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England.
HabitatMixed forests at an altitude of 2,700-3,100 m.
Bark/Stem DescriptionSmooth, glabrous branches, reddish in colour.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionBud scares are in pairs.
Leaf DescriptionDouble toothed with 3-5 triangular lobes, 5 primary veins and a subcordate-truncate base, 5-12 cm in diameter.
Flower DescriptionIndividual flowers are male or female but each plant produces one or the other, necessitating plants of both genders if seed is required.
Fruit DescriptionSamaras 2-3 cm, spreading nutlets, produced in September.

Photographs