Snakeskin Maple – Acer grosseri


Snakeskin Maple – Acer grosseri

Snakeskin Maple Habit

Snakeskin Maple is native to China in the regions of Sichuan, Hubei, and Shaanxi, where it grows at elevations of up to 2,500 meters (8,200 feet).

Snakeskin Maple fall foliage

Snakeskin Maple grows to 10 meters (33 feet), with a trunk diameter up to 30 centimeters (12 inches). The bark is dark brown or gray and has a snakeskin-like texture, which gives it its common name.

Snakeskin Maple in fall colors

Snakeskin Maple is a popular ornamental tree in many parts of the world due to its striking bark and attractive foliage. It is suitable for use as a specimen tree, in small groups, or in mixed plantings.

white tigress maple bark

White tigress maple bark

The bark of Acer grosseri is smooth and gray-brown when young, becoming darker and developing a snakeskin-like texture with age – similar to white tigress maple (above).

Hardy to Zone: 5-7

References:
1. Acer grosseri, Morton Arboretum accession, photographed October 19, 2009 by Bruce Marlin
2. eFloras.org, Flora of China, “Acer davidii subsp. grosseri (Pax) P. C. de Jong in van Gelderen et al.
3. Michigan State University Extension, “Acer grosseri–Snake-skin Maple”
4. USDA, ARS, GRIN, Taxon: “Acer grosseri Pax”

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