Acer davidii, commonly known as Père David’s Maple or Snake-Bark Maple, is a deciduous tree valued for its striking green and white-streaked bark. Its arching branches, attractive foliage and orange-to-yellow autumn colour give it interest throughout the year.
Native to China, this maple is best planted in a sheltered position in moist but well-drained soil. It makes an elegant specimen for a larger garden, where its bark can be appreciated in winter and its changing foliage enjoyed through the growing season.
Acer davidii can grow beyond 12 metres tall and spread more than 8 metres, so allow room for it to mature.
Key Features of Acer davidii
Decorative green and white-streaked bark
Bark interest is especially noticeable in winter
Elegant arching branches
Mid-green leaves, sometimes shallowly lobed
Orange to yellow autumn foliage
Small flowers appear in spring
Pinkish-brown winged fruits may follow
Suitable for full sun or partial shade
Prefers moist but well-drained soil
Best planted in a sheltered position
RHS hardiness rating H5
Acer davidii – Tree Specification
Botanical name: Acer davidii
Common name: Père David’s Maple / Snake-Bark Maple
Family: Sapindaceae
Tree type: Deciduous broadleaf tree
Mature height: Approximately 10–15m, potentially taller in suitable conditions.
Mature spread: More than 8m; allow approximately 8–10m or more for the mature crown.
Time to maturity: Approximately 20–50 years.
Growth rate: Moderate, depending on growing conditions.
Crown shape: Upright when young, developing arching branches and a broader crown with age.
Bark: Green and white-streaked, with a snake-like pattern on the stems.
Foliage: Mid-green, ovate leaves that may be unlobed or shallowly lobed.
Autumn colour: Orange to yellow.
Flowers: Small, yellowish flowers are produced in spring, often in hanging clusters.
Fruit: Pinkish-brown, winged fruits may develop after flowering.
Position: Full sun or partial shade.
Soil: Adaptable to chalk, clay, loam and sandy soils.
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained or well-drained soil.
Exposure: Sheltered.
Hardiness: RHS hardiness rating H5.
Native status: Not native to the UK; native to China.
Wildlife value: Spring flowers and the tree’s structure can contribute to a mixed garden planting scheme.
Maintenance: Low maintenance. Pruning is generally limited to removing dead or damaged branches.
Suitable uses: Specimen planting, architectural planting, larger gardens, sheltered gardens and gardens designed to feature ornamental bark.
Why Choose Acer davidii?
Striking Snake-Bark Stems
Acer davidii is one of the snake-bark maples, named for the distinctive striped appearance of its stems. The green and white streaks become particularly noticeable when the tree has lost its leaves.
This makes it a useful choice for winter interest, when the bark and branching structure are more exposed.
Elegant, Arching Branches
The tree develops a graceful shape, with branches that arch as it matures. Its open form makes it an attractive specimen in a larger garden or mixed landscape planting.
Allow enough room for the crown to develop naturally and avoid crowding it between buildings or other trees.
Colourful Autumn Foliage
The mid-green leaves turn orange to yellow in autumn before falling. This seasonal colour complements the striped bark and gives the tree interest beyond its winter appearance.
The exact intensity of autumn colour can vary with the tree’s position and seasonal conditions.
Interest Across the Seasons
Père David’s Maple offers different features through the year: fresh foliage in spring, a leafy canopy in summer, autumn colour, and distinctive bark through winter.
Small flowers appear in spring, and pinkish-brown winged fruits may follow. The flowers are modest, while the bark and overall shape are the tree’s main ornamental features.
A Specimen Tree for a Sheltered Site
Acer davidii is best planted in a sheltered position with moist, well-drained soil. It suits a larger garden where the tree can mature and its bark can be seen clearly.
It is not the best choice for a very exposed, dry site or a small space that cannot accommodate its eventual height and spread.
Planting and Establishment
Acer davidii grows well in full sun or partial shade. Choose a sheltered position with moist but well-drained soil.
Prepare the planting area and set the tree so the root flare sits at the correct finished soil level. Water thoroughly after planting and continue to water during dry spells while the tree establishes.
A mulch layer can help retain soil moisture and reduce competition from grass and weeds. Keep mulch clear of the trunk.
Allow sufficient space for the mature crown and root system. For larger nursery specimens, professional planting is recommended. Staking or another suitable support may be needed depending on the size of the tree and the planting conditions.
Maintaining Acer davidii
Acer davidii is generally low maintenance once established. Pruning is usually limited to removing dead, damaged or poorly placed branches.
Make any necessary cuts carefully and retain the tree’s natural shape. Avoid unnecessary heavy pruning.
Water during prolonged dry spells, particularly while the tree is establishing or if it is planted in a warm, dry position.
Important Planting Considerations
Acer davidii can grow beyond 12 metres tall and spread more than 8 metres. Check that the planting position has room for its mature size, including space from buildings, boundaries, paths, overhead structures and underground services.
The tree prefers a sheltered position and moist, well-drained soil. Avoid exposed sites where it may be subject to drying conditions.
If you are choosing this tree primarily for its bark, plant it where the stems will be visible in winter and avoid crowding it with dense evergreen planting.
Specimen Tree Delivery and Professional Planting
Landscaping Emporium, brought to you by Kirman Design, offers professional specimen tree supply and planting throughout selected areas of North West England.
We provide professional tree planting in the following postcode areas:
BB, BL, CH1–CH5, CW8, CW9, FY, L, LA1–LA6, M, OL, PR, SK1–SK12, WA and WN.
Please do not select professional planting at checkout if your property is outside these postcode areas without contacting us first.
If your property is outside our normal installation area, please contact us. We may still be able to arrange planting depending on your location, tree size and site access.
Before ordering, please consider delivery access, gate and passage widths, steps, slopes, overhead restrictions and the available planting space.
Acer davidii trees may be supplied in different nursery sizes and root formats depending on current stock and seasonal availability.
Overall height, trunk girth, crown dimensions and natural branching structure will vary between individual specimens.
Contact Landscaping Emporium
Landscaping Emporium – brought to you by Kirman Design
Unit 9, Bridgewater Business Park
Gladstone Street
Blackburn
BB1 3DL
Telephone: 01942 604976
Email: hello@landscapingemporium.co.uk
Website: www.landscapingemporium.co.uk
Professional tree supply and planting across North West England.
Acer davidii, commonly known as Père David’s Maple or Snake-Bark Maple, is a deciduous tree valued for its striking green and white-streaked bark. Its arching branches, attractive foliage and orange-to-yellow autumn colour give it interest throughout the year.
Native to China, this maple is best planted in a sheltered position in moist but well-drained soil. It makes an elegant specimen for a larger garden, where its bark can be appreciated in winter and its changing foliage enjoyed through the growing season.
Acer davidii can grow beyond 12 metres tall and spread more than 8 metres, so allow room for it to mature.
Key Features of Acer davidii
Decorative green and white-streaked bark
Bark interest is especially noticeable in winter
Elegant arching branches
Mid-green leaves, sometimes shallowly lobed
Orange to yellow autumn foliage
Small flowers appear in spring
Pinkish-brown winged fruits may follow
Suitable for full sun or partial shade
Prefers moist but well-drained soil
Best planted in a sheltered position
RHS hardiness rating H5
Acer davidii – Tree Specification
Botanical name: Acer davidii
Common name: Père David’s Maple / Snake-Bark Maple
Family: Sapindaceae
Tree type: Deciduous broadleaf tree
Mature height: Approximately 10–15m, potentially taller in suitable conditions.
Mature spread: More than 8m; allow approximately 8–10m or more for the mature crown.
Time to maturity: Approximately 20–50 years.
Growth rate: Moderate, depending on growing conditions.
Crown shape: Upright when young, developing arching branches and a broader crown with age.
Bark: Green and white-streaked, with a snake-like pattern on the stems.
Foliage: Mid-green, ovate leaves that may be unlobed or shallowly lobed.
Autumn colour: Orange to yellow.
Flowers: Small, yellowish flowers are produced in spring, often in hanging clusters.
Fruit: Pinkish-brown, winged fruits may develop after flowering.
Position: Full sun or partial shade.
Soil: Adaptable to chalk, clay, loam and sandy soils.
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained or well-drained soil.
Exposure: Sheltered.
Hardiness: RHS hardiness rating H5.
Native status: Not native to the UK; native to China.
Wildlife value: Spring flowers and the tree’s structure can contribute to a mixed garden planting scheme.
Maintenance: Low maintenance. Pruning is generally limited to removing dead or damaged branches.
Suitable uses: Specimen planting, architectural planting, larger gardens, sheltered gardens and gardens designed to feature ornamental bark.
Why Choose Acer davidii?
Striking Snake-Bark Stems
Acer davidii is one of the snake-bark maples, named for the distinctive striped appearance of its stems. The green and white streaks become particularly noticeable when the tree has lost its leaves.
This makes it a useful choice for winter interest, when the bark and branching structure are more exposed.
Elegant, Arching Branches
The tree develops a graceful shape, with branches that arch as it matures. Its open form makes it an attractive specimen in a larger garden or mixed landscape planting.
Allow enough room for the crown to develop naturally and avoid crowding it between buildings or other trees.
Colourful Autumn Foliage
The mid-green leaves turn orange to yellow in autumn before falling. This seasonal colour complements the striped bark and gives the tree interest beyond its winter appearance.
The exact intensity of autumn colour can vary with the tree’s position and seasonal conditions.
Interest Across the Seasons
Père David’s Maple offers different features through the year: fresh foliage in spring, a leafy canopy in summer, autumn colour, and distinctive bark through winter.
Small flowers appear in spring, and pinkish-brown winged fruits may follow. The flowers are modest, while the bark and overall shape are the tree’s main ornamental features.
A Specimen Tree for a Sheltered Site
Acer davidii is best planted in a sheltered position with moist, well-drained soil. It suits a larger garden where the tree can mature and its bark can be seen clearly.
It is not the best choice for a very exposed, dry site or a small space that cannot accommodate its eventual height and spread.
Planting and Establishment
Acer davidii grows well in full sun or partial shade. Choose a sheltered position with moist but well-drained soil.
Prepare the planting area and set the tree so the root flare sits at the correct finished soil level. Water thoroughly after planting and continue to water during dry spells while the tree establishes.
A mulch layer can help retain soil moisture and reduce competition from grass and weeds. Keep mulch clear of the trunk.
Allow sufficient space for the mature crown and root system. For larger nursery specimens, professional planting is recommended. Staking or another suitable support may be needed depending on the size of the tree and the planting conditions.
Maintaining Acer davidii
Acer davidii is generally low maintenance once established. Pruning is usually limited to removing dead, damaged or poorly placed branches.
Make any necessary cuts carefully and retain the tree’s natural shape. Avoid unnecessary heavy pruning.
Water during prolonged dry spells, particularly while the tree is establishing or if it is planted in a warm, dry position.
Important Planting Considerations
Acer davidii can grow beyond 12 metres tall and spread more than 8 metres. Check that the planting position has room for its mature size, including space from buildings, boundaries, paths, overhead structures and underground services.
The tree prefers a sheltered position and moist, well-drained soil. Avoid exposed sites where it may be subject to drying conditions.
If you are choosing this tree primarily for its bark, plant it where the stems will be visible in winter and avoid crowding it with dense evergreen planting.
Specimen Tree Delivery and Professional Planting
Landscaping Emporium, brought to you by Kirman Design, offers professional specimen tree supply and planting throughout selected areas of North West England.
We provide professional tree planting in the following postcode areas:
BB, BL, CH1–CH5, CW8, CW9, FY, L, LA1–LA6, M, OL, PR, SK1–SK12, WA and WN.
Please do not select professional planting at checkout if your property is outside these postcode areas without contacting us first.
If your property is outside our normal installation area, please contact us. We may still be able to arrange planting depending on your location, tree size and site access.
Before ordering, please consider delivery access, gate and passage widths, steps, slopes, overhead restrictions and the available planting space.
Acer davidii trees may be supplied in different nursery sizes and root formats depending on current stock and seasonal availability.
Overall height, trunk girth, crown dimensions and natural branching structure will vary between individual specimens.
Contact Landscaping Emporium
Landscaping Emporium – brought to you by Kirman Design
Unit 9, Bridgewater Business Park
Gladstone Street
Blackburn
BB1 3DL
Telephone: 01942 604976
Email: hello@landscapingemporium.co.uk
Website: www.landscapingemporium.co.uk
Professional tree supply and planting across North West England.
Image 1 of 14
Image 2 of 14
Image 3 of 14
Image 4 of 14
Image 5 of 14
Image 6 of 14
Image 7 of 14
Image 8 of 14
Image 9 of 14
Image 10 of 14
Image 11 of 14
Image 12 of 14
Image 13 of 14
Image 14 of 14