Acer davidii aka Father David's Maple

Acer davidii is a deciduous tree known as snakebark maple. Another name is Père David's maple. It belongs to the Sapindaceae family. Its native range extends from China to Myanmar. It grows beneath taller trees in mixed forests of central China. Garden trees reach 30–50 feet (9.1–15.2 metres) tall. Some accounts include smaller trees around 20 feet (6.1 metres). Their spread reaches 20–40 feet (6.1–12.2 metres). Several trunks and curved branches can form a spreading crown.

The smooth green bark bears pale green and white stripes. These marks give the tree its common name. Older bark near the base turns grey-brown and loses contrast. The leaves grow in pairs along the stems. Each has an oval shape and a pointed tip. Most lack lobes, though young trees can have three-lobed leaves. Their toothed edges frame dark green tops and paler undersides. Leaves reach about 0.25–0.6 feet (0.08–0.18 metres) long. Young leaves may carry red down as they unfold. Fall brings yellow, orange, red, or yellow tinged with purple.

Small yellow flowers hang in narrow racemes during March and April. They add little to the tree's display. Female flower clusters grow longer than male clusters. Many winged fruits, called samaras, follow the blooms. Their wings spread almost flat, rather than pointing upward. Sources place the fruit display in summer and autumn. The RHS describes the fruits as pink-brown in autumn.

This maple grows fast and suits sun or partial shade. Partial shade suits it better where summers become hot. It prefers moist, acidic soil that drains well. It can grow in clay, loam, or sand. Cool summers suit it best, including those of the Pacific Northwest. Deep South heat and damp air can limit its performance. Sources rate it for USDA zones 5–7 and UK H5. Its bark adds winter interest after the leaves fall. Gardens use it for shade, street planting, screens, or small groups.

The tree has few routine problems, but several threats can occur. Aphids, scale, borers, mites, leafhoppers, and caterpillars may attack it. Verticillium wilt can kill trees by damaging their water-carrying tissue. Other risks include canker, leaf spots, root rot, and honey fungus. Alkaline soil can cause manganese chlorosis. Wind and ice may break branches. Plants can also be hard to find for sale.