Snakebark Maple
(Acer davidii)
Snakebark Maple (Acer davidii)
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James St. John
CC BY 2.0
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James St. John
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CC BY 2.0
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Photo by: James St. John | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: James St. John | Publisher: Flickr
































Estimated Native Range
Summary
Acer davidii, commonly known as Snakebark Maple, is a deciduous tree native to the understory of mixed forests and along streams in central and western China, as well as parts of Myanmar. It typically grows to 10–15 meters tall with a trunk up to 40 cm in diameter, though it is often smaller and may have multiple trunks. The tree is characterized by its distinctive green and white-striped bark, which adds year-round interest. The spreading crown consists of long, arching branches that bear leaves with three distinct veins, turning yellow or red in the autumn.
Snakebark Maple is appreciated for its ornamental bark, attractive foliage, and relatively small size, which makes it suitable for residential gardens and urban landscapes. It flowers in the spring, producing inconspicuous yellow and green blooms that are followed by winged seeds (samaras). This maple prefers a sheltered position to protect its bark from sunscald and benefits from mulching to maintain soil moisture. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. While it can tolerate part shade, the best bark coloration is achieved in full sun. Gardeners should be aware of potential issues such as verticillium wilt and aphids, although these are not usually serious problems.CC BY-SA 4.0
Snakebark Maple is appreciated for its ornamental bark, attractive foliage, and relatively small size, which makes it suitable for residential gardens and urban landscapes. It flowers in the spring, producing inconspicuous yellow and green blooms that are followed by winged seeds (samaras). This maple prefers a sheltered position to protect its bark from sunscald and benefits from mulching to maintain soil moisture. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. While it can tolerate part shade, the best bark coloration is achieved in full sun. Gardeners should be aware of potential issues such as verticillium wilt and aphids, although these are not usually serious problems.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 30-50 feet
- Width: 20-40 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow, Green
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Understory of mixed forests and along streams in central and western China, and parts of Myanmar
Other Names
Common Names: Père David’s Maple, Stripebark
Scientific Names: , Acer davidii, Acer sikkimense subsp. davidii, Acer davidii var. acuminatifolium, Acer davidii var. glabrescens, Acer davidii var. horizontale, Acer davidii f. glabrescens, Acer davidii f. tomentellum, Acer davidii var. grandifolium, Acer davidii var. tomentellum
GBIF Accepted Name: Acer davidii Franch.