Père David’s Maple (Viper)

This lovely tree is suitable for the larger garden. Acer davidii Viper is an upright, large, deciduous tree with a spreading habit and green-and-white striped bark. The ovate, shallowly lobed leaves emerge bronze-flushed, mature to deep green in summer, and turn orange in autumn. Inconspicuous, pale yellow flowers in spring are followed by brownish-pink fruits. This tree is good in an architectural garden or in a low-maintenance garden, as it needs minimal pruning, although it can be subject to some pests and diseases. Propagate by softwood cuttings on the current year’s growth, or by grafting.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any moist but well-drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Spring and autumn in particular
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height:  Higher than 40’ (1.8m) Spread: Wider than 39”-5’ (8m) in 20-50 years