Emerald Jade Maple Acer fabri
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- AY-ser
- Description
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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:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Semi-evergreen
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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
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Fruit Type:
- Samara
- Fruit Description:
- Red to purple two seeded samaras
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Green
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Pale green to white insignificant blooms
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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.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- New shoots have red tips
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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
