Acer Capillipes Snake Bark Maple

Acer Capillipes, more commonly known as Red Snake Bark Maple, is a small deciduous tree. Its unusual foliage and striking, striped bark make this variety of a good choice for a specimen tree. There are various species of snakebark maple trees, all of which differ from other maples due to their distinctive striped bark with a snake-like effect.  With creamy white vertical lines along the olive green bark, the branches of Red Snake Bark Maple offer interest throughout the year. The deciduous foliage is not without its appeal, either. The peculiar 3-lobed leaves unfurl reddish in the spring, maturing to deep shades of green, and, finally, to most vivid shades of crimson red in the autumn. It produces racemes of green flowers in summer followed by pink fruits in the autumn. 

Versatile and easy to grow, Red Snake Bark Maple thrives in any moist but well-drained soil. When it comes to choosing a location for this specimen, pick a sheltered spot in full sun or partial shade. An ideal tree for smaller gardens, this variety of Snake Bark Maple Trees stays compact even when fully mature. The ultimate height is 6 to 8 metres, with a 4 to 6 metres spread. Easy to grow and to care for, this maple tree is not affected by any serious diseases or pests.

A Japanese native, Acer Capillipes is fully hardy in all of the United Kingdom. This tough cultivar can survive even with temperatures as low as 20 degrees below zero, and it’s frost hardy. However, it will appreciate a sheltered position away from cold, drying winds. When it comes to pruning, Red Snake Bark Maple is quite easy to maintain. It requires no routine pruning, and occasional removal of dead or damaged branches is all it takes to keep this striking maple variety in its best form.

With a compact size and highly decorative features, Acer Capillipes is a great candidate as an eye-catching specimen tree or a striking addition to a mixed shrub borders. The vase-shaped crown of the tree provides structural and architectural value to the garden. Offering interest throughout the year, it’s at it best when accentuated by evergreen cultivars, such as Buxus Sempervirens or Pinus Mugo Winter Gold. For a particularly stunning display in a Japanese-style garden, pair it with magnificent Japanese maple varieties: e.g. Acer Palmatum Bloodgood.

You might be interested in other Snake Bark Maple Trees we have for sale such as Acer Davidii and the red-barked Acer Conspicuum Mozart. Make sure to take look at the various japanese maples we offer as well as our selection of ornamental trees.