Best grown in rich, humusy, evenly moist, well-draining soils in dappled sun. Prefers drier conditions in winter, so good drainage is necessary. Protect from wind. Reliably hardy in Zones 6-9.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Acer × conspicuum, commonly called snakebark maple, is an interspecific hybrid resulting from the cross between the Chinese A. davidii and the North American A. pensylvanicum. This is a somewhat shrubby, slow-growing hybrid maple with upright, slender branches. Plants can reach up to 30' tall with a open crown of about equal spread. There are several cultivars available in the nursery trade, grown primarily for their showy, striped bark. The color of the bark can vary, from purples and reds to greens depending on the cultivar, but all have vertical, silvery-white stripes. The leaves (up to 8" long and 6" wide) have 3-5 lobes with pointed ends and toothed margins. In fall the foliage turns a bright yellow.