Acer pensylvanicum

The Pennsylvania Maple, also known by its Latin name Acer pensylvanicum, is the only "snakebark maple" that is not native to Asia. Its trunk and branches are strongly striped with green and white. This effect tends to fade with age, after 20 to 25 years, giving way to a beautiful mahogany colour. Its large deciduous, trilobed leaves turn a vibrant yellow in autumn. This small tree reaching a height of 8 metres at maturity initially develops in a spreading and bushy manner. It thrives in the understory, in the shade of larger trees, in an acidic to neutral soil that remains moist but well-drained.

Acer pensylvanicum is close to Acer striatum, and is also commonly known as American snakebark maple or American striped maple. It belongs to the botanical family Sapindaceae (which has incorporated the former family of maples, Aceraceae). This species, native to northeastern North America, mainly Pennsylvania, grows in moist woods. It can reach up to 10 metres in height in its natural habitat and live up to a hundred years. In the garden, Acer pensylvanicum has rapid growth and initially develops as a bush before forming a small tree often with multiple stems, reaching a height of 7 to 9 metres and a width of 6 metres, with an open crown. It is recognisable by its green trunk striped with white which, over the years, turns reddish-brown. Its tender green trilobed leaves can reach up to 25 cm in length and width. The central lobe is the longest of the three, while the two outer lobes point forward. In autumn, the leaves turn and intense yellow. Its yellowish-green flowers appear in pendulous clusters in May. They are followed by winged nuts (samaras) that measure between 2 and 3 cm.

Although very hardy, the Pennsylvania Maple still has some requirements. In its natural habitat, it is an understory tree, meaning it grows under larger trees. Therefore, it requires a partially shaded to shady exposure, sheltered from the scorching rays of full sun. Provide it with a deep, loose, humus-bearing soil that is acidic to neutral, remains moist, and is well-drained.

Reserve a prominent spot or plant it as a solitary specimen, where you can admire its bark even in winter. A flower bed visible from the house would be a good choice. Pair it with other trees with interesting bark, such as cinnamon maple, Prunus maackii 'Amber Beauty', Betula albosinensis 'Fascination', or near bamboo such as Fargesia 'Blue Dragon'.