Acer cappadocicum

Acer cappadocicum originates in the areas surrounding the Caucasus Mountains in Asia minor. It is a tree occasionally growing to 20m in height, typically with an oval canopy to 15m broad. This tree is noted for its significant tolerance of dry soils, as demonstrated by the tree planting in the Waite Arboretum Adelaide South Australia. Here, trees are irrigated during their first summer’s growth and then must grow without any irrigation. A. cappadocicum has performed well in these conditions while some trees, including Platanus orientalis ‘Digitata’, have died from drought stress.

A. cappadocicum has a number of variant forms; most of the trees in Australia seem to be the variety cultratum, having extremely leathery, 5-lobed leaves. These plants also have reddish foliage, and seem to be more tolerant of dry sites than some other selections. It is seemingly tolerant of a wide number of site restrictions, and is only intolerant of waterlogged soils. Like many plants, it will grow best in a highly-organic soil, well-drained and with weekly summer irrigation. We have found that this tree establishes in containers slowly and believe that 2 years’ establishment irrigation is recommended.

Acer cappadocicum is not a showy flowering tree, but instead is an excellent, slow-growing foliage plant with exceptional butter-yellow autumn foliage colour. It will become large with age, but should be considered for below power lines; it will not outgrow the site for up to 20 years.

Typical mature height:

20m (slow)

Useful in:

droughty sites, streetscapes

Sites for best growth:

ample drainage