Contents
Description
Acer Carpinifolium, also known as the hornbeam maple, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Sapindaceae. It is native to Japan, Korea, and China and is a popular ornamental tree due to its unique appearance. The tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and has a spread of around 10 meters. The leaves are shaped like a hornbeam leaf, hence the name, and turn a beautiful yellow or orange color in the fall. The tree also produces small, green flowers in the spring which are followed by winged fruits.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Acer |
Appearance
The Acer Carpinifolium has a unique appearance that makes it a popular ornamental tree. The leaves are shaped like a hornbeam leaf and are a deep green color. They turn a beautiful yellow or orange color in the fall. The bark of the tree is a light gray color and has an interesting texture. The tree produces small, green flowers in the spring which are followed by winged fruits. The fruits are a reddish-brown color and add an interesting texture to the tree.
Care Guide
The Acer Carpinifolium is a relatively low-maintenance tree, but it still requires proper care to thrive. Here are some tips:
- Water: The tree prefers well-draining soil and should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season.
- Fertilization: The tree does not require regular fertilization but can benefit from a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.
- Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Acer Carpinifolium is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues to look out for:
- Aphids: Aphids can be a problem, especially in the spring. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mites: Mites can cause discoloration of the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew can be a problem in humid conditions. It can be controlled with fungicides or by improving air circulation.
Habitat
The Acer Carpinifolium is native to Japan, Korea, and China. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. The tree is hardy in zones 5-8 and can tolerate cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Acer Carpinifolium a good tree for small gardens?
A: Yes, the Acer Carpinifolium is a relatively small tree and is a good choice for smaller gardens.
Q: Can the Acer Carpinifolium be grown in a container?
A: While it is possible to grow the Acer Carpinifolium in a container, it is not recommended as the tree can grow quite large and will require frequent repotting.
Q: How often should I prune my Acer Carpinifolium?
A: The Acer Carpinifolium does not require regular pruning, but you can prune it in the fall or winter to remove any dead or diseased branches.
Q: Can the Acer Carpinifolium be grown from seed?
A: Yes, the Acer Carpinifolium can be grown from seed, but it can take several years for the tree to reach maturity.
Related Plants
- Acer Palmatum
- Acer Rubrum
- Acer Saccharum
References
- “Acer Carpinifolium.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=253214.
- “Acer carpinifolium.” Plant of the Week, www.plantoftheweek.org/week388.shtml.
- “Hornbeam Maple.” The Tree Center, www.thetreecenter.com/hornbeam-maple/.
