Snakeskin Maple – Acer grosseri
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 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 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
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”
Tree Encyclopedia / North American Insects & Spiders
Online since 2002