Acer leucoderme (Chalk Maple)


Michael's Opinion

An underused plant that does well in adverse conditions and has outstanding autumn colour as well as interesting winter bark colour.

Botanical Information

FamilySapindaceae (Aceraceae)
GenusAcer
Speciesleucoderme
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5b – 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4 – 8
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-26 - (-7)
Temperature (°F)-15 - 20
Height7-10 m
Spread4.5-9 m
Flowering PeriodApril

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionLight grey bark, lobed leaves tomentose on the underside with good autumn colours.
PropagationKeep seeds cool and moist in storage. It is best to collect they from the tree immediately after they have fallen. Seeds are mature when they turn reddish brown and are firm.
CultivationChalk Maple can survive in adverse conditions but has better form in good soil with lots of sun.
PestsNone of note.
HabitatUnderstory of upland forests.
Bark/Stem DescriptionChalky white to light grey, older trees turn dark black at the bottom of the trunk.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionSimilar to sugar maple. Smaller in size with short silky pubescence at the edge of the bud scales.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are opposite, arrangement is simple. Leaves are star shaped. Leaf blade 10-20 cm, green colour; reddish-yellow in autumn.
Flower DescriptionGreen-yellow, inconspicuous flower.
Fruit DescriptionElongated, 2.5-7 cm in length, dry and hard outside. The fruit is not ornamental.
Colour DescriptionWhite to light grey bark. Green but yellow and red leaves in the autumn.
Texture DescriptionMedium.

Photographs