Acer davidii George Forrest
- Height 10 years: 3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
- Leaf colour - autumn: Yellow
- Leaf colour - autumn: Multiple tints
George Forrest is one of the best of the snake-bark maples. The main feature is of course the bark. Young stems are green with lighter striations, while more mature branches turn brown with light white / green striations.
The lobed green leaves are borne on red stems, turning golden yellow in the autumn.
There are also attractive green / red flowers in the spring.
The species Acer davidii originates from China, and several forms were introduced to the UK at the end of the 19th century by collectors and botanists such as George Forrest.
What will it look like?
Illustrative example of a pot-grown tree of this variety as supplied.
(Approx. girth: 6/8).
Trees should reach their mature height after about 10 or more years.
Leaves may not be present during winter, and we may prune some shoots to fit the delivery carton. Size may vary during the season and between batches.
The container (if supplied) is only used for transporting the tree, which should then be planted out in the garden or in a much larger patio planter (not all species are suitable for patio planting).
How to grow
Although capable of reaching heights of 10m or greater, 4m or so is more likely in most situations. Like most forms of Acer davidii, it does best in moist soils.
George Forrest characteristics
Growing
- Attractive features:
Attractive bark Autumn foliage colour
- Height 10 years:
3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
- Growth habit:
Upright-spreading
- Growth rate:
Average
- Site conditions:
Free-draining site
- Sunlight:
Prefers full sun Some shade
- Useful for:
Specimen planting
- Hardiness rating (RHS):
H5 (to -15C)
- Pruning:
Do not prune
- Gardening skill:
Suitable for beginners
Identification
- Country of origin:
China
- Leaf colour:
Green
- Leaf colour - young:
Green
- Leaf colour - autumn:
Multiple tints Yellow
- Annual cycle:
Deciduous
- Awards:
RHS Award of Garden Merit
- Bark:
Striated - brown
