Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: Medium

Dry Soil: Medium

Lime: Medium

Named after George Forrest, the famous Scottish botanist who collected the original seeds during his 1921 exhibition to the remote province of Yunnan. George returned these seeds to the UK, and because this cultivation was so unique amongst Acer davidii, it was named in his honour.

It is commonly referred to as Snakebark due to the snake skin like appearance. Young bark displays shades ranging from purple to green and is adorned with creamy white stripes. As it matures, the bark becomes more green and brown. It’s green leaves contrast beautifully against the ruby red stalks during the summer, with fantastic autumn colour to follow. When wind flows, it causes the canopy to come alive like the licking flames of a bonfire. As the leaves fall, the attractive unworldly bark remains a keen feature during the winter months. It is tolerant of most soil types and will thrive in a free-draining location.

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Size

Small

7m high x 6m wide after 25 years

Canopy

A wonderfully open, fan shaped canopy with upright spreading branches.

Foliage

Dark opal green leaves open from the rhubarb stalks. During the autumn the canopy appears ablaze with rich reds and pumpkin orange.

Bark

Snake like, serrated bark which begins as a rhubarb reds and purples which distinctive creamy white strokes. This matures into a deeper green brown bark but retains the milky vertical stripes.

Resilience

Thrives in well-drained soil conditions and benefits from protection against cold winds. Additionally, it prefers partial shade to shield from potential sun scorch.

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