Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Acer capillipes

Snakebark Maple

SapindaceaeJapan (Honshu, Shikoku)

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height25–40 feet (7.5–12 m)
Width20–30 feet (6–9 m)
Maturity20 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 8
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Maintenancelow

Overview

Acer capillipes is a deciduous tree reaching 25–40 feet (7.5–12 m) tall with a spread of 20–30 feet (6–9 m). The crown is broadly spreading with upswept arching branches. Young branches and stems are green with conspicuous white vertical striping; older trunks develop grayish-brown furrowing but retain some striping. Leaves are three-lobed, 3–5 inches (7.5–13 cm) long, dark green above with red petioles up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long; the lobes are forward-pointing with serrated margins. Fall color ranges from orange to red, lasting 2–3 weeks. Small yellow-green flowers appear in pendulous racemes in April–May as leaves emerge. Samaras, 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) long, ripen in September–October. The species performs best in climates with cool summers and suffers foliar scorch in hot, dry conditions or in full sun in warm regions.

Native Range

Acer capillipes is native to Japan, occurring on the main islands of Honshu and Shikoku in montane mixed forests at elevations of 1,300–4,900 feet (400–1,500 m). It grows in moist, well-drained forest soils in partial shade in mixed broadleaf forests.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and as a patio or courtyard tree at 20–25 foot (6–7.5 m) spacing. The striped bark provides year-round interest after leaf drop. Best sited in partial shade or with afternoon shade in warm climates. Not suited to hot, dry climates, exposed sites, or alkaline soils.

How to Identify

Acer capillipes is identified by the combination of green-and-white striped bark on young branches and stems, three-lobed leaves with red petioles, and serrated leaf margins. Leaves, 3–5 inches (7.5–13 cm), have forward-pointing lobes with tapered tips. Distinguished from other snakebark maples such as A. davidii by the more conspicuously red petioles and slightly narrower leaf lobes. The striped bark is visible year-round and is the most reliable identification feature outside the growing season.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height25' - 40'
Width/Spread20' - 30'

Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow green

Foliage Colors

dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

orange
red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
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Spring
Small yellow-green flowers appear in pendulous racemes, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long, in April–May as new leaves emerge. Individual flowers are less than 0.2 inch (5 mm) across. Samaras develop through summer, ripening to tan-brown in September–October.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow-green

Foliage Description

dark green above, red petioles; orange to red in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

15–25 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0 in a sheltered position. Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established trees perform best with consistent moisture and show leaf scorch after dry spells of more than 1–2 weeks. Full sun in climates with sustained temperatures above 85°F (29°C) causes leaf margin scorch; partial shade reduces this. Best performance is in the Pacific Northwest, upper Midwest, and northeastern United States where summers are cool and moist. Verticillium wilt can affect this species; remove affected wood promptly. No routine fertilization is required in humus-rich soils.

Pruning

Prune in late spring to early summer (May–June) after leaf-out to minimize sap bleeding. Remove dead, crossing, or damaged branches. Maintain the natural arching branch structure; heavy shaping reduces the characteristic tiered appearance. Remove basal suckers to their point of origin. Avoid late-season pruning, as wounds close slowly before dormancy.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic