Acer monspessulanum aka Montpellier Maple

Acer monspessulanum is known as Montpellier maple or Montpelier maple. It belongs to the soapberry family, Sapindaceae. Its native range spans central and southern Europe and northwest Africa. It extends east to Turkmenistan and Iran. This maple grows in temperate regions, including the Mediterranean area. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

It forms a small tree or a large shrub. Dense branches give its crown a rounded shape. Garden trees reach about 18–30 feet [5.5–9.1 metres] tall. Missouri Botanical Garden gives a spread reaching 30 feet [9.1 metres]. RHS lists a taller range, reaching 39 feet [12 metres]. Its listed spread is narrower, at 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. RHS gives 10–20 years as the time to reach maturity.

The leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stems. Each simple leaf has three lobes and smooth edges. The leaf base has a heart shape. Leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery, reaching 0.25 feet [0.08 metres] across. Their small size and three lobes help identify this maple. Cut leaf stalks do not release milky sap. Autumn leaves may turn red or orange. Most trees lose their leaves late in autumn. In mild winters, some leaves may stay on the tree.

Small yellow-green flowers appear in spring, sometimes before the leaves. Missouri Botanical Garden gives May as the flowering month. Oregon State shows flowering beginning in early April. The flowers offer little show despite their numbers. Winged fruits, called samaras, follow the flowers in summer. Their wings can be red or reddish. The paired wings hang close together, lie parallel, or cross. This fruit shape also helps distinguish the tree from hedge maple.

Grow this tree in sun or partial shade. It prefers fertile, moist soil that drains well. RHS lists clay, loam, sand, and chalk as suitable soils. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. It tolerates heat and some drought, but needs moderate watering. Sources rate it for USDA zones 5–9 and UK hardiness H6. Gardeners use it for shade, street planting, and bonsai. It needs little upkeep; prune only from late autumn to midwinter. Serious pest problems are uncommon, though aphids, caterpillars, mites, and scale may occur. Possible diseases include Verticillium wilt, leaf scorch, and honey fungus.