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Plants that fill a similar niche:
Acer buergerianum Acer buergerianum tree
Acer griseum Young tree form.
Pinus bungeana Form
Acer fabri has some common insect problems:
Common Insect Pests of Maple in North Carolina
Acer fabri has some common disease problems:
Common Disease Pests of Maple in North Carolina

Acer fabri

Phonetic Spelling
AY-ser
Description

Emerald jade maple is a rare evergreen vine maple in the Sapindaceae (soapberry) family native to Vietnam and China.  In its native habitat it can reach a height and width of 20 to 30 feet.  

It has slender unlobed leaves that do not look like other maples.  It may struggle in zone 7 but will do well in zone 8 and higher.  In cooler climates, it keeps its leaves year-round and in warmer climates, it may lose its leaves.   

Plant it in well drained high organic matter soil.  While it can handle some sun it is a great tree for shaded areas and its red-tipped stems and interesting bark add winter interest to the landscape.  It is resistant to browsing by deer.

It is often grown as a houseplant because it withstands low light levels so well.   Planting it in a container works well for a patio or bonsai treatment.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems. See potential insect and disease problem fact sheets to the left.

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

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#small tree#houseplant#interesting bark#bonsai#interiorscape#winter interest#showy fruits#deer resistant#nighttime garden#glossy leaves#red fruits#pollinator plant#larval host plant#evergreen tree#purple fruits#imperial moth#container plant#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#small tree#houseplant#interesting bark#bonsai#interiorscape#winter interest#showy fruits#deer resistant#nighttime garden#glossy leaves#red fruits#pollinator plant#larval host plant#evergreen tree#purple fruits#imperial moth#container plant#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Acer
    Species:
    fabri
    Family:
    Sapindaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Vietnam, South China
    Wildlife Value:
    Members of the genus Acer support Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis) larvae which have one brood per season and appear from April-October in the south. Adult Imperial Moths do not feed.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 20 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 20 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Semi-evergreen
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    12-24 feet
    24-60 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Fruit Type:
    Samara
    Fruit Description:
    Red to purple two seeded samaras
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Green
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Pale green to white insignificant blooms
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Semi-evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Glossy deep green unlobed slender leaves with prominent veins and pointed tips. New spring leaves are red.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    New shoots have red tips
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Houseplants
    Landscape Theme:
    Nighttime Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Shade Tree
    Small Tree
    Street Tree
    Understory Tree
    Attracts:
    Moths
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer