Acer davidii (Pere David's Maple)
Acer davidii (Pere David's Maple)
Introduction
Acer davidii, Pere David's maple, is a Chinese snakebark maple with distinctively striped green-and-white bark that provides year-round ornamental interest. The bark is the primary bonsai attraction — vertical white striations on green bark create a visual effect unlike any other maple. Leaves are ovate with variable lobing, turning yellow-orange in autumn.
The defining feature is the bark: smooth green with conspicuous white vertical striations — the classic snakebark pattern. Leaves are ovate to shallowly three-lobed, 6-12 cm, with red petioles. Autumn colour is yellow to orange. Growth is moderate. The species is a small tree to 15 m, often multi-stemmed.
| Common Name | Pere David's Maple | Family | Sapindaceae |
| Origin | China | Indoor/Outdoor | Outdoor |
| Bonsai Tradition | Emerging | Japanese Name | — |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Group | Maple |
| Recommended Styles | Moyogi (Informal Upright), Shakan (Slanting), Sokan (Twin Trunk) | ||
| Size Categories | Chuhin (25–46 cm), Omono (46–76 cm) | ||
History & Tradition
Rarely used in bonsai but gaining interest among collectors who appreciate bark character. The snakebark pattern makes it a conversation piece at any exhibition.
About Maple Bonsai
Japanese maples are among the most popular deciduous bonsai, prized for their spectacular seasonal color changes and delicate leaf structure. From the fresh chartreuse of spring emergence through deep summer green to the fiery reds and golds of autumn, maples offer a living calendar. Leaf reduction through defoliation techniques can produce miniature leaves barely a centimeter across on well-developed trees. The fine ramification achievable on mature maple bonsai creates winter silhouettes rivaling the best deciduous trees in nature. Acer palmatum cultivars number in the hundreds, giving artists choices ranging from threadleaf dissectums to bold-lobed varieties. Maples prefer morning sun with afternoon shade protection and consistent moisture.
Botanical Profile
| Family | Sapindaceae | Genus | Acer |
| Species | davidii | Plant Type | deciduous |
| Origin | China | Growth Rate | moderate |
| Foliage Type | deciduous | Bark Character | green with white stripes |
| Autumn Color | yellow to orange | Height Range | 20-80 |
Named after Armand David, the French missionary and naturalist who discovered the giant panda and many Chinese plants. Native to central and southern China. Hardy USDA zones 5-8. Several subspecies exist. The snakebark character is shared with A. pensylvanicum, A. rufinerve, and other section Macrantha members.
Bonsai Styles
| Style | Japanese Name |
|---|---|
| Moyogi | Informal Upright |
| Shakan | Slanting |
| Sokan | Twin Trunk |
Informal upright showcases the striped bark trunk — the primary design feature. Keep the canopy open enough to see the trunk. Multi-trunk compositions multiply the bark effect. The bark interest makes even young, thin-trunked trees attractive.
Group Style Guide
Informal upright (moyogi) is the dominant style for Japanese maples, showcasing their natural graceful form. Broom style (hokidachi) is classical for maples, creating a rounded canopy on a straight trunk that displays autumn color spectacularly. Root over rock (sekijoju) exploits the maple's ability to develop dramatic surface roots gripping stone. Twin trunk (sokan) and clump (kabudachi) styles emphasize the forest-like quality of maple groves. Forest plantings (yose-ue) of maples are among the most popular group compositions. Cascade styles are rare for maples, as the species naturally grows upright.
Trunk & Nebari
| Nebari Development | moderate | Deadwood Suitability | not_suitable |
| Bark Scarring Risk | high | Bark Character | green with white stripes |
The snakebark pattern develops on trunks from 15 mm diameter — earlier than most bark features on other species. The striations are most vivid on young-to-medium trunks; very old bark loses the pattern as it develops fissures. Air-layering preserves the bark character. Trunk caliper builds at moderate pace.
Deadwood Techniques
Avoid deadwood — it would detract from the ornamental living bark. Preserve the snakebark character as the primary design element.
Wiring & Shaping
Aluminium wire with care — do not damage the ornamental bark. Padding under wire is recommended. Wire after leaf drop. Clip-and-grow to avoid bark damage.
| Wire Type | Bark Scarring Risk | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Lower (softer wire) | Late autumn / early spring |
| Annealed copper | Higher (holds shape better) | Late autumn / early spring |
🌍 Distribution Map
Native origin: China
Pruning & Pinching
| Ramification Quality | medium | Leaf/Needle Reduction | moderate |
Defoliation in June for leaf reduction. The relatively large leaves benefit from size reduction. Manage opposite buds. Keep canopy open to reveal trunk bark.
Watering
Standard maple watering. Consistent moisture. Not especially drought-tolerant.
Soil & Repotting
| Substrate Type | Standard Akadama Mix |
| Repotting Frequency | Every 2 years |
| Root Pruning Tolerance | moderate |
Standard maple mix. Prefers acidic to neutral soil. Repot every 2-3 years.
Group Soil Recipes
Deciduous maple substrate should retain more moisture than conifer mixes: 60% akadama, 20% pumice, 20% lava rock or perlite. The higher akadama ratio supports the moisture needs of large-leafed deciduous trees. Particle size of 2–5 mm works well for most sizes. Repot every 2–3 years in early spring before bud break. Root pruning can be aggressive on healthy maples, removing up to 50% of the root mass. A thin layer of sphagnum moss on the soil surface helps maintain even moisture during hot summers.
Fertilizing
| Season | NPK Ratio | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 10-10-10 | Every 2 weeks | Support new growth |
| Summer | 10-10-10 | Every 2 weeks | Sustain vigor |
| Autumn | 0-10-10 | Every 3–4 weeks | Harden off for winter |
| Winter | None | — | No feeding during dormancy |
Standard balanced feeding. Not demanding.
Light & Placement
Partial shade to full sun. Afternoon shade in hot climates. The bark colour is most vivid on trunks that receive moderate light.
Seasonal Placement Guide
Spring: Watch for bud break; protect emerging leaves from late frost; apply dilute fertilizer after leaves harden off. Summer: Partial defoliation in early summer for leaf reduction on strong trees; protect from scorching afternoon sun; maintain consistent moisture. Autumn: Enjoy the color display; reduce fertilizer; leaves drop naturally — remove fallen leaves from soil surface. Winter: Protect roots from hard freezes below -5°C; prune heavy branches during dormancy when sap is down; seal large cuts with wound paste.
Seasonal Care
| Season | Watering | Feeding | Key Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Increasing | Resume / increase | Repotting, structural pruning, wiring |
| Summer | Maximum | Regular biweekly | Maintenance pruning, pinching, pest watch |
| Autumn | Decreasing | Reduce / stop | Wiring, structural work, winter preparation |
| Winter | Minimal | None (dormancy) | Protect roots, plan next season |
All seasons: The bark is the feature — visible year-round. Spring: Leaf emergence with red petioles. Autumn: Yellow-orange colour. Winter: Bark display at its best.
Group Seasonal Guide
Spring: Watch for bud break; protect emerging leaves from late frost; apply dilute fertilizer after leaves harden off. Summer: Partial defoliation in early summer for leaf reduction on strong trees; protect from scorching afternoon sun; maintain consistent moisture. Autumn: Enjoy the color display; reduce fertilizer; leaves drop naturally — remove fallen leaves from soil surface. Winter: Protect roots from hard freezes below -5°C; prune heavy branches during dormancy when sap is down; seal large cuts with wound paste.
Pests & Diseases
Generally healthy. Standard maple issues. The smooth bark is susceptible to physical damage — handle with care.
Group Pest Guide
Aphids frequently colonize new growth in spring, causing leaf curl and sooty mold; treat with insecticidal soap or systemic insecticide. Powdery mildew appears as white patches on leaves in humid conditions; improve air circulation. Verticillium wilt is a serious fungal disease causing branch dieback; no cure exists, but affected branches can be removed. Scale insects occasionally appear on branches; treat with horticultural oil. Leaf scorch from hot sun or wind is cosmetic but stressful; provide afternoon shade protection.
| Pest/Disease | Identification | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Clusters on new growth, sticky honeydew | Insecticidal soap, water spray, ladybugs |
| Scale Insects | Brown or white bumps on stems/branches | Horticultural oil, systemic insecticide, manual removal |
| Leaf Miners | Check foliage and stems | Consult specialist resources |
Propagation
Seeds germinate after stratification. Air-layering works and preserves bark character. Cuttings root at moderate rates.
Group Propagation Guide
Japanese maples propagate readily from seed collected in autumn. Fresh seed requires 90–120 days cold stratification. Named cultivars must be propagated by grafting or air layering, as seedlings vary. Air layering in spring produces rooted sections within one growing season. Softwood cuttings taken in early summer can root under mist propagation. Approach grafting in spring is used for specialized cultivars. Ground layering of low branches produces new plants while maintaining the mother tree. Seedlings take 3–5 years to reach initial training size.
| Method | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seeds | Variable | Consult species-specific guides |
| Air Layering | 8–12 weeks | Instant thick trunk; advanced |
Size Classification
Chuhin to medium sizes — large enough to appreciate the bark pattern. Shohin is possible but the bark striations are too small to see clearly on tiny trunks.
| Keshitsubo (3–8 cm) |
| Shito (5–10 cm) |
| Mame (5–15 cm) |
| Shohin (15–20 cm) |
| Komono (15–25 cm) |
| Chuhin (25–46 cm) ✅ |
| Omono (46–76 cm) ✅ |
| Dai (76–122 cm) |
| Imperial (122+ cm) |
Varieties & Cultivars
George Forrest has larger leaves and more vigorous growth. Serpentine has very prominent bark striations. Rosalie is a compact selection. For bonsai, choose forms with the most vivid bark striping.
Group Varieties
Acer palmatum is the primary bonsai maple with hundreds of cultivars. Deshojo has brilliant red spring growth. Kiyohime is naturally compact with fine ramification. Seigen offers red spring and autumn color. Acer buergerianum (trident maple) has superior trunk development and tolerates more sun. Acer ginnala (Amur maple) is extremely cold-hardy. Mountain maple (A. campestre) suits European collections. Dissectum cultivars with thread-like leaves create weeping bonsai forms. Coral bark maple (Sango-kaku) offers year-round red branch color.
Buying Guide & Display
Available from specialist nurseries. Select specimens with the most vivid bark striations — there is variation among seedlings. Young trees already show the pattern.
| Check | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Trunk | Good taper, interesting movement, no reverse taper at graft union |
| Nebari | Even radial root spread, no circling or crossing roots |
| Roots | Healthy white root tips visible, no root rot smell |
| Branches | Well-placed primary branches, no large scars or stubs |
| Health | Vibrant foliage color, no pests, firm bark, strong buds |
Troubleshooting
Bark damage from wire or physical impact is permanent and disfiguring — handle with extreme care. Old trunks lose the snakebark pattern — the species is actually more attractive as bonsai when younger (10-30 years) than when very old.
Common Problems
Display & Exhibition
Display to maximise bark visibility — on a stand that positions the trunk at eye level. Winter exhibitions showcase the bark best. Simple pots that do not compete with the bark. The green-and-white bark is the entire exhibition statement.
Group Display Guide
Autumn is the prime season for maple bonsai display, when foliage color creates maximum visual impact. A light-colored oval or rectangular pot in unglazed or subtle grey-blue glaze complements autumn colors. The display stand can be lighter in style than conifer stands, reflecting the tree's delicate character. Spring display showcases fresh green leaves; winter display reveals the branch structure and ramification. A water stone or autumn-themed scroll enhances the seasonal composition. Avoid display in direct sunlight, which fades autumn colors prematurely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my Pere David's Maple bonsai?
Water your Pere David's Maple bonsai when the top layer of soil begins to dry. During summer this may be daily or even twice daily for outdoor trees; in winter, reduce frequency significantly. Always water thoroughly until water runs from the drainage holes, then allow the soil to partially dry before the next watering.
Can I keep Pere David's Maple bonsai indoors?
No. Pere David's Maple is an outdoor species that requires natural sunlight, air circulation, and seasonal temperature changes including winter dormancy. Growing it permanently indoors will weaken and eventually kill the tree.
What bonsai styles suit Pere David's Maple?
Pere David's Maple is particularly well-suited to Moyogi, Shakan, Sokan. Choose a style that complements the existing trunk movement and natural growth habit of your individual tree.
When should I repot my Pere David's Maple bonsai?
Repot Pere David's Maple every 2 years in early spring, just before the buds begin to swell. Signs that repotting is needed include water sitting on the surface without soaking in, roots circling inside the pot, or reduced vigor despite proper care.
How do I wire Pere David's Maple bonsai?
Use aluminum wire for Pere David's Maple. Apply wire at a 45-degree angle, with wire thickness approximately one-third of the branch diameter. Wire during the dormant season when possible, and check wires every 2–4 weeks during the growing season to prevent them cutting into the bark.
Is Pere David's Maple good for beginners?
Pere David's Maple has a difficulty level of intermediate. While not the easiest species, it rewards careful attention to watering and seasonal care.
What soil mix should I use for Pere David's Maple?
Use a well-draining bonsai mix for Pere David's Maple. The key principle is excellent drainage combined with adequate moisture retention. Never use standard garden soil or purely organic potting mix for bonsai, as these compact over time and suffocate roots.
How do I promote ramification on Pere David's Maple?
Ramification on Pere David's Maple is rated as medium. Promote finer branching through repeated cycles of growing and cutting back. Allow shoots to extend 4–6 nodes, then prune back to 1–2 nodes. Over multiple growing seasons, this creates increasingly dense and refined branch structure.
When is the best time to prune Pere David's Maple?
Perform structural pruning on Pere David's Maple during the dormant season (late autumn to late winter) when the tree's energy reserves are in the roots. Maintenance pruning and pinching of new growth can be done throughout the growing season to maintain shape and promote density.
How cold-hardy is Pere David's Maple?
Pere David's Maple requires winter dormancy and tolerates cold well, but container-grown bonsai need root protection from sustained hard freezes below -5°C. Hardy in USDA zones 5-8. Protect container roots by placing in an unheated garage, cold frame, or burying the pot in ground soil during extreme cold.
Quick Reference Summary
| Scientific Name | Acer davidii |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Pere David's Maple |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Origin | China |
| Group | Maple |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Outdoor |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Bonsai Tradition | Emerging |
| Wiring Suitability | good |
| Wire Type | aluminum |
| Ramification | medium |
| Leaf/Needle Reduction | moderate |
| Nebari Development | moderate |
| Deadwood Suitability | not_suitable |
| Substrate | — |
| Repotting Frequency | Every 2 years |
| USDA Zones | 5-8 |
