Snakebark Maple Serpentine

A lovely tree for year-round interest in the smaller garden, Acer davidii Serpentine has the most striking bark of all the snakebark (Père David) maples. It’s a small, deciduous tree with arching branches and a round, spreading crown, denser than those of most snakebark maples. The bark on the trunk is deep bluish-purple when young, maturing to olive green, and strongly marked with vivid silvery-white striations. The young shoots are deep red, and the leaves, which are elliptical and pointed, are mid-green, turning deep red in autumn. Racemes of pale yellow flowers are followed by pinky-brown, winged seeds. Snakebark maple Serpentine was bred in the Netherlands, so is very well adapted to our climate.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: All year
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 16’ (5m) Spread: 16’ (5m) in 20 years