Acer carpinifolium

 A rare and exciting species of maple with exquisite narrow leaves and good autumn colour which is native to Japan, where it grows in woodlands and alongside streams in mountainous areas. Acer carpinifolium has leaves which are completely different to the normal lobed structure familiar to most other maples.

Instead, they are long, narrow, serrated and very similar to those of a Carpinus (Hornbeam). The handsome leaves are dark green in spring and summer, turning bright yellow with occasional darker more earthy tones in autumn before falling. Acer carpinifolium is a fascinating and very elegant garden tree.

• Position: Full sun or partial shade.
• Soil: Any well drained, fertile soil.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy.
• Rate of Growth: Moderate.
• Habit: Small, elegant spreading tree.
  • Height: 8 m (26 ft) / [up to 4 m (13 ft) after 10 years]
  • Spread: 6 m (20 ft) / [up to 2.5 m (8 ft) after 10 years]