Acer monspessulanum
Montpellier maple
Overview
Acer monspessulanum is a deciduous small tree or large shrub growing 15–30 feet (4.5–9 m) tall and 13–25 feet (4–7.5 m) wide, with a dense, rounded crown and, often, a multi-stemmed base. The small, leathery, three-lobed leaves measure 1.2–2.4 inches (3–6 cm) across, glossy dark green above and paler beneath, turning yellow before falling. In spring, clusters of small yellow-green flowers open with or just before the leaves. These are followed by paired winged seeds (samaras) about 0.8–1.2 inches (2–3 cm) long whose wings are held nearly parallel and are often tinged red. The tree grows wild on dry, rocky, often limestone slopes around the Mediterranean and withstands heat, drought, wind, and alkaline soil once established, though it grows slowly and casts dense shade that limits underplanting. Hardiness covers USDA zones 5–8. The compact size suits smaller gardens, street settings, and dry-climate plantings. Verticillium wilt and the usual maple pests can affect it, but problems are uncommon on poor, dry soils.
Native Range
Acer monspessulanum is native to the Mediterranean region and southern Europe, extending into North Africa and western Asia, where it grows on dry, rocky, often calcareous hillsides and in open woodland from sea level to mid elevations.Suggested Uses
Acer monspessulanum is grown as a small specimen or shade tree, in dry and Mediterranean-style gardens, and as a street or courtyard tree where space is limited. It also serves in mixed shelter plantings and informal screens on poor soils. The compact crown suits smaller gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 30'
Width/Spread13' - 25'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, usually April to May in the Northern Hemisphere, as clusters of small yellow-green flowers open with or just before the new leaves. The flowers are modest and last about 2 weeks. Paired winged seeds develop through summer and ripen by autumn. The seeds, often red-tinged, are more visible than the flowers.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Acer monspessulanum in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil; it accepts dry, rocky, and alkaline ground that troubles many maples. Water during establishment and in extended drought, after which the tree is markedly drought tolerant. Growth is slow, so plants take years to reach full size. Little feeding or routine care is needed on poor soils. Good drainage reduces the risk of root problems and verticillium wilt. The species withstands heat and urban conditions that damage many maples.Pruning
Acer monspessulanum needs little pruning beyond removing dead, crossing, or crowded branches in late winter while dormant. Like other maples it bleeds sap if cut in late winter to early spring, so larger cuts are made in summer or autumn. Multi-stemmed plants are thinned to shape over several years.Pruning Schedule
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