Acer davidii, snakebark maple
1 / 7
Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Acer davidii

snakebark maple

Sapindaceae

Central and western China (Sichuan, Yunnan, Hubei, Shaanxi)

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height20-35 feet (6-11 m)
Width15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m)
Maturity15 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

A medium-sized deciduous tree reaching 20–35 feet (6–11 m) tall and 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) wide at maturity. The most distinctive feature is the bark: smooth and green on young stems, developing vertical white striations with age that persist year-round. Leaves are ovate to oblong, 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) long with three shallow lobes and serrated margins, emerging with bronze tints in early spring, maturing to glossy mid-green through summer. Fall color varies from yellow to orange-red and is moderate in intensity compared to many maples. Pendant clusters of small yellow-green flowers appear in spring before or with the leaves. Paired winged samaras ripen in late summer. Growth rate is moderate, adding 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) per year when young. In maritime climates the bark striping is more pronounced than in continental climates with hotter summers. Lower branches may be retained close to the ground without training.

Native Range

Native to central and western China, primarily in Sichuan, Yunnan, Hubei, and Shaanxi provinces. Grows in mixed deciduous montane forests and forest margins at elevations of 3,300–8,200 feet (1,000–2,500 m). Typically found on well-drained slopes in areas with cool, moist summers and mild winters.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen tree in residential gardens where the bark can be viewed at close range; effective when positioned near paths or patios where winter interest is desired. Used in woodland garden settings at 15–20 foot (4.5–6 m) spacing with shade-tolerant understory shrubs and perennials. The moderate size makes it suitable for smaller urban gardens where a full-sized maple would be too large, provided there is adequate soil volume.

How to Identify

Identified by the smooth green bark with vertical white striping visible on branches 2 inches (5 cm) or more in diameter; young stems are plain green and unstriped. Leaves are ovate to weakly 3-lobed, 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) long, with a long-tapering tip and finely serrated margins. Paired winged samaras hang in pendant racemes of 6–12, distinguishing it from most other snakebark maples. The striped bark pattern is most pronounced and visible in winter.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height20' - 35'
Width/Spread15' - 25'

Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow green

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow, orange, red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Flowers appear in April through May, emerging in pendant racemes of 10–20 small yellow-green flowers, typically coinciding with or just after leaf emergence. Individual flower clusters persist for 2–3 weeks. In warmer climates (zones 7–8), flowering may begin in late March. Cross-pollination between nearby trees is required for reliable samara production.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow-green

Foliage Description

bronze-green in spring, mid-green in summer, yellow to orange-red in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 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
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-15 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water young trees deeply once per week during the first two growing seasons in the absence of rain; established trees tolerate moderate drought but show leaf scorch during extended dry periods exceeding 3–4 weeks in summer. Apply 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it clear of the trunk, to moderate soil temperature and retain moisture. No fertilization is typically needed in average garden soils; excess nitrogen encourages soft growth susceptible to frost damage. Verticillium wilt can affect this species; avoid planting in soil where susceptible plants have previously died from the disease. Aphids may colonize new growth in spring but rarely cause lasting damage. Trees planted in sites with afternoon shade in zones 7–8 retain better bark color and suffer less leaf scorch than those in full sun.

Pruning

Prune in late summer through early fall (August–September) to minimize sap bleeding; spring pruning causes heavy sap flow that is not harmful but is cosmetically undesirable. Remove crossing or rubbing branches while young to establish clear structure. Lower limbs can be removed gradually over several years to raise the canopy and expose the decorative bark, removing no more than one-third of live growth per year. No routine annual pruning is required once structure is established.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic
Acer davidii (snakebark maple) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef