Acer barbinerve, commonly known as Bearded Maple, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to mixed forests and forest margins in East Asia, particularly in Korea and parts of China. It typically grows to a height of up to 7 meters and features smooth gray bark. The leaves are simple, non-compound, with 5 shallow lobes and a blade up to 10 cm long, with serrated edges. The Bearded Maple is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female plants, with inconspicuous flowers that bloom in spring. The species is not widely known for showy flowers, but it does produce winged seeds known as samaras.

The Bearded Maple is valued for its adaptability to various light conditions, making it suitable for cultivation in full sun to part shade. It has low water requirements and can tolerate soils with slow to medium drainage, which makes it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. It is often used in woodland gardens, as a specimen plant, or in urban landscapes where space is limited. While not commonly available in nurseries, it can be a unique addition to a plant collection. Gardeners should be aware that, as a dioecious species, both male and female plants are needed for fruit production.CC BY-SA 4.0