Snakebark Maple Acer capillipes

Snakebark maple is a low maintinance small deciduous tree or large shrub in the Sapindaceae (soapberry) family native to the high elevation Japan.  Most easily identified by the interesting olive colored bark marked with narrow white stripes that resemble a snake, hence the common name. The genus Acer means maple and the species name cappillus means hair and pes means foot in Latin in reference to its thin flower and fruit stalks. 

Snakebark maple prefers cool summer climates where it can optimally preform in the landscape.  Part shade is best though will tolerate full sun and medium moist, well-drained acidic soils.   The canopy is rounded and multitrunked and may reach heights of up to 40 feet.  

Flowers appear in mid-spring, are greenish white and fairy insignificant, followed by winged samara fruits.  The leaves are reddish in the spring, and mature to dark green.  In the fall it changes to a striking orange-red color adding interest to the landscape.  

Plant it as a shade or street tree though this plant may be difficult to find in cultivation.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Potential insects are various scale pests, aphids, maple worms, cankerworms, gall and beetles. Potential diseases ate Anthracnose, bacterial leaf scorch, verticillium wilt, canker and powdery mildew. See the fact sheets to the left.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common maple diseases and insect pests.