David's Maple
Acer davidii
Also known as Snakebark Maple, Père David's Maple, Father David's Maple
Climate Match for your location
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David's Maple is a small to medium deciduous tree prized for its attractive striped green and white bark, delicate spring flowers, and brilliant red fall foliage. It performs well in part shade and provides year-round ornamental interest in temperate gardens.
Why grow it
David's Maple distinguishes itself among small deciduous maples through its distinctive white-striped bark, which provides winter visual interest when many maples fade to gray. It requires less space than larger maple species while offering comparable seasonal color changes, making it suitable for medium-sized garden settings where a full-sized sugar or Norway maple would overwhelm. The combination of spring flowers, summer foliage, and fall color gives extended ornamental value across multiple seasons.
Watch out for
This species benefits from consistent moisture during establishment and appreciates afternoon shade in hot climates, as leaves can scorch in intense sun combined with dry soil. Young trees may develop crossing or rubbing branches that benefit from early corrective pruning to establish good structure, particularly in crowded planting situations.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Sapindaceae
Native Range
Central and western China
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
'Serpentine' is noted for distinctive white-striped bark; 'Ernest Wilson' is a selection with particularly ornamental characteristics.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
David's Maple is a small to medium deciduous tree prized for its attractive striped green and white bark, delicate spring flowers, and brilliant red fall foliage. It performs well in part shade and provides year-round ornamental interest in temperate gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well David's Maple grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
David's Maple distinguishes itself among small deciduous maples through its distinctive white-striped bark, which provides winter visual interest when many maples fade to gray. It requires less space than larger maple species while offering comparable seasonal color changes, making it suitable for medium-sized garden settings where a full-sized sugar or Norway maple would overwhelm. The combination of spring flowers, summer foliage, and fall color gives extended ornamental value across multiple seasons.
Watch out for
This species benefits from consistent moisture during establishment and appreciates afternoon shade in hot climates, as leaves can scorch in intense sun combined with dry soil. Young trees may develop crossing or rubbing branches that benefit from early corrective pruning to establish good structure, particularly in crowded planting situations.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Sapindaceae
Native Range
Central and western China
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
'Serpentine' is noted for distinctive white-striped bark; 'Ernest Wilson' is a selection with particularly ornamental characteristics.