Acer carpinifolium
Hornbeam maple · Hornbeam-leaved Maple
Description
Source: leafsnapAcer carpinifolium (hornbeam maple; Japanese: チドリノキ Chidorinoki "zigzag tree") is a species of maple native to Japan, on the islands of Honshū, Kyūshū, and Shikoku, where it grows in woodlands and alongside streams in mountainous areas.It is a small deciduous tree growing to 10–15 m tall, with smooth, dark greenish-grey to grey-brown bark. The leaves are 7–15 cm long and 3–6 cm broad, simple, unlobed, and pinnately veined with 18–24 pairs of veins and a serrated margin. They resemble leaves of hornbeams more than they do other maples, except for being arranged in opposite pairs, and in the very small basal pair of veins being palmately arranged as in other maples. The flowers are 1 cm diameter, greenish yellow, produced in pendulous racemes 5–12 cm long in spring as the new leaves open; they are dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate trees. The fruit is a samara of two seeds each with a 2–3 cm long wing.It is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, mainly as a botanical curiosity to demonstrate the wide range of leaf morphology in the genus Acer, but also for its bright yellow autumn colour. Both the scientific and common names derive from the superficial resemblance of its leaves to those of the genus Carpinus (hornbeams).
Care Guide
💧 Water Every 5-7 days
The hornbeam maple grows best in moist soil, especially during the summer, to prevent its leaves from scorching. For seedlings in pots, water them twice a day. In spring and fall, adjust watering based on the weather conditions, and reduce watering in cooler temperatures. During winter, maintain soil moisture, paying special attention to young seedlings in gardens as they begin to grow.
☀️ Light Partial sun
Hornbeam maple naturally grows in habitats like forest understories or rocky sites, where it is shaded. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate both full sun and full shade, illustrating its versatility and hardiness.
What are the sunlight requirements for hornbeam maple (Acer carpinifolium)?
The hornbeam maple requires specific sunlight conditions to thrive, categorized into two types: full sun and partial sun. Full sun means the plant should receive above 6 hours of sunlight per day, ensuring it gets enough light to grow healthily. For those with slightly less exposure, partial sun, defined as about 3-6 hours of sunlight daily, is also suitable. It's important to observe how sunlight moves through your garden throughout the day. Selecting spots that provide a balance of light and shade will support your hornbeam maple's health and growth, making sure the plant remains happy and vigorous. Remember, the right location can significantly impact the plant's wellbeing.
🌡️ Temperature 5–32.2°C
Hornbeam maple is highly adaptable to a variety of climate conditions, whether in scorching summers or chilly winters. Still, it has an optimal temperature range for growth. If temperatures become excessively high, the plant is susceptible to heat and humidity stress, which can lead to its death. In areas where temperatures near the lower limit of its cold tolerance, it's important to use insulation measures to protect the plant.
What is the common name of Acer carpinifolium?
The common name of Acer carpinifolium is Hornbeam maple.
What is the botanical name of the Hornbeam maple?
The botanical name of the Hornbeam maple is Acer carpinifolium.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
Fertilize your Hornbeam maple in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Regular feeding improves overall health, leading to vigorous development, increased tolerance of challenging conditions, and enhanced resistance to pests and diseases. Keep a consistent fertilization routine for your Hornbeam maple to ensure deep-colored, vibrant foliage and a full, lush appearance.
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
The hornbeam maple is known for its decorative foliage and attractive shape. To keep it healthy and well-maintained, prune in early spring. This helps remove damaged branches, improve air circulation, and control the tree’s size. Regular pruning also encourages healthy growth and enhances flowering. Be sure to use clean tools to prevent disease and to boost the hornbeam maple's beauty and resilience in your garden.
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Hornbeam maple is not considered toxic. People, (large) pets, and cattle are usually unaffected.
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Acer
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 5-8
- Mature Height
- 6.1 m to 9.14 m
- Mature Spread
- 3.96 m
- Leaf Color
- Light Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 0.76 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early spring, Mid spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Native Area
- Japan