Acer henryi (Henry Maple)


Michael's Opinion

A broadleaf tree native to China that is best planted for its red-purple autumn foliage. Easy to grow, it is a somewhat drought tolerant species that requires a medium to large placement in the landscape.

Botanical Information

FamilySapindaceae (Aceraceae)
GenusAcer
Specieshenryi
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginAnhui, Fujian, Gansu, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, south Shaanxi, south Shanxi, Sichuan, and Zhejiang, China.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4 - 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone2a - 7b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-34) - (-9)
Temperature (°F)(-30) - 15
Height7 m
Spread9 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodApril

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThis species has been placed on the IUCN Red List as least concern.
ShapeA tall upright tree.
LandscapeA tree best used for autumn colour and spring bloom planted in medium to large landscape sites.
PropagationStratify pre-soaked seed (change the water several times during the soaking process) at 4°C for 60-120 days and sow in the spring.
CultivationPrefers neutral, clay loam soils with average moisture in full sun to partial shade.
PestsA. henryi has no major pests problems.
Notable SpecimensThe Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. London, England. Wakehurst Gardens, Ardingly, West Sussex, England. Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England.
HabitatNative to China, found in mixed forests from 500-1500 m.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe bark is smooth and a green-grey in colour.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionBuds are small, scaled and pubescent.
Leaf DescriptionA. henryi has a 3-foliolate leaf, with entire margin and an acuminate or cuneate apex. The leaves are somewhat papery in texture with both the upper and lower surfaces being pubescent especially along the veins abaxially when immature.
Flower DescriptionThe inflorescence is pendulous, racemose, to 7 cm in length and pubescent. The flowers are subsessile or sessile and yellow-green in colour. Sepals 4, ovate, ciliate along margin. There are four flower petals which are white and are deciduous before anthesis.
Fruit DescriptionSamaras are 2.5 cm x 5 mm, with the wings spreading at 90° or erectly so. Fruit is ripe in September.
Colour DescriptionHas nice green foliage in the spring with a green grayish bark. Best know for its beautiful autumn colours of deep purple and reds

Photographs