Acer capillipes - The Stunning Snakebark Maple for All-Season Interest

Red Snake-Bark Maple, Snake-Bark Maple

If you’re a gardening enthusiast seeking a distinctive and graceful tree, Acer capillipes, commonly known as the red snake-bark maple, could be your perfect choice. This small deciduous maple stands out for its unique, striped bark and charming seasonal colour changes. It’s more than just a tree — it’s a statement piece in any garden, combining ornamental beauty with practical size and adaptability.

Acer capillipes is a small, slender maple tree native to Japan, particularly the mountainous regions of Honshu and Shikoku. It belongs to the snakebark group of maples, named for their strikingly patterned bark that resembles snakeskin. The bark has smooth, vertical grey-white stripes contrasted with coral-red or brownish tones, making the tree highly ornamental throughout the year.

The name ‘red snake-bark maple’ highlights this vivid bark colour, which becomes especially visible in winter when the leaves have fallen. Unlike many maples that focus on leaf colour for seasonal interest, Acer capillipes offers a different kind of beauty: the bark remains attractive even in the colder months, offering winter structure and texture in the garden.

Acer capillipes thrives in fertile, acidic soil that is moist but well-drained. It does not tolerate waterlogged conditions or heavy clay soils without improvement. Adding organic matter such as leaf mould or compost enhances drainage and nutrient availability.

This tree prefers a soil pH between 5.0 and 6.5, making it suitable for many UK garden soils, particularly in areas with naturally acidic conditions. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and keeps weeds down, protecting the root system and promoting healthy growth.

In spring, Acer capillipes produces small, yellow-green flowers that appear in racemes—clusters on slender stems. The flowers are not showy, but they add subtle interest as they emerge before or alongside the leaves.

Flowering typically happens in April or May, depending on the climate and location. Although the flowers don’t attract much attention, they are a sign of a healthy tree and lead to the formation of samaras (winged fruits), which add a delicate touch in summer.

While the bark offers winter appeal, the autumn colour of Acer capillipes brings additional seasonal beauty. The leaves change from mid to dark green in summer to soft shades of yellow and pale gold in autumn.

This warm autumn colour complements many garden plants and shrubs, making the tree a versatile ornamental addition. The leaves are typically three-lobed and deeply incised, adding texture and form as they transition through the seasons.

Snake-bark maples, including Acer capillipes, are distinguished by their striped bark, which remains visually striking throughout the year. Unlike typical maples, whose main ornamental feature is their leaf colour, snake-barks combine both bark and leaf interest.

The bark stripes develop more clearly on younger stems and trunks, providing a textural contrast not often seen in other maples. This makes them ideal for gardens seeking year-round beauty and a variety of textures and colours.

Acer capillipes adapts well to container gardening, making it an excellent option for small gardens or patios. Use a large pot with good drainage and fill it with a well-drained, acidic compost mix.

Water the soil regularly to keep it moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent waterlogging. In winter, protect the roots from frost by moving the pot to a sheltered spot or wrapping it with horticultural fleece. Container-grown trees benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced fertiliser during spring and summer.

While generally hardy, Acer capillipes can face a few challenges. Watch for leaf scorch in hot, dry summers or when planted in full sun. It may also be vulnerable to honey fungus or verticillium wilt, though these problems are rare in well-maintained gardens.

Regular watering, mulching, and planting in a sheltered, shaded spot minimise stress. Pruning to remove dead or crossing branches enhances airflow and reduces the risk of disease. Keeping the soil moist and fertile encourages strong, healthy growth.

Yes, you can grow Acer capillipes from seed, although it requires patience and the right conditions. The seeds, which are winged samaras, typically ripen in autumn and need a period of cold stratification to break dormancy — this mimics the natural winter conditions they’d experience outdoors. You can sow them in autumn in a cold frame or refrigerate them for several weeks before sowing in spring. Germination can be slow and variable, sometimes taking several months, and not all seedlings will display the same ornamental bark qualities as the parent tree. For gardeners who enjoy propagation and the slow satisfaction of growing trees from scratch, it can be a rewarding project — just be prepared for a bit of a wait before you see those striking snake-bark patterns.

While I’m not currently growing Acer capillipes in my garden, it’s certainly a tree I admire — and one I often recommend to fellow gardeners looking for something a bit different. Its bark alone is a real showstopper, especially in winter when everything else is winding down. I think what makes this maple special is its ability to offer year-round interest without dominating a space. If you’ve got a sheltered spot with dappled shade and slightly acidic soil, it can be a real gem — quietly elegant, yet full of character. One day, I may well find the right corner for it here too.

• Acer capillipes is a small, slender snake-bark maple with smooth, coral-red and grey-white striped bark
• The tree thrives in acidic, moist but well-drained soil, preferring partial shade or dappled shade
• Its autumn colour is a soft yellow, adding seasonal interest alongside its year-round ornamental bark
• The tree grows best in sheltered garden spots or containers and is hardy in UK climates from roughly -15°C to 25°C
• Buy your tree from a reliable nursery to ensure healthy growth and longevity
• Regular watering, mulching, and light pruning help prevent leaf scorch and disease 
• Its unique bark makes it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking year-round colour and texture
• The tree produces small yellow-green flowers in spring and delicate samaras in summer
• Its upright, vase-shaped habit suits small gardens and patios
• Avoid strong winds and full sun exposure to keep foliage healthy

Acer capillipes thrives best in partial shade or dappled sunlight, in fertile, well-drained and improved soil, and prefers neutral to acidic pH. It is hardy down to –20°C to –24°C (–4°F to –11°F), and reaches 4–7 m (13–23 ft) in 5–10 years. This snakebark maple offers year-round interest with its strikingly striped bark, lovely fresh green foliage, brilliant autumn colours, and subtle late spring flowers. With annual soil improvement, simple care, and shelter from harsh winds, it makes a stunning and reliable addition to UK gardens.

Want to learn about other ornamental tree varieties? Read about Acer griseum here.

For more information on Ornamental Trees for your garden, please click here.

Q: What is Acer capillipes, and why is it known as the red snake-bark maple?

A: Acer capillipes, commonly called the red snake-bark maple, is a striking small deciduous tree valued for its distinctive bark and graceful form. Native to Japan, this ornamental maple is part of the snakebark group, noted for its smooth, striate bark with vertical grey-white stripes against coral-red or olive-green stems, especially eye-catching in winter. The tree grows with an elegant, upright habit, developing a broad, vase-shaped crown. Its three-lobed dark green leaves turn golden-yellow and shades of red in autumn. This combination of striking bark and vibrant seasonal foliage makes Acer capillipes a desirable specimen for gardens across the UK.

Q: What growing conditions does Acer capillipes prefer?

A: Acer capillipes flourishes in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter. It prefers a sheltered position in partial shade or dappled sunlight, avoiding hot, dry locations where the foliage may scorch. While hardy, it performs best when protected from cold, drying winds. Ideal for woodland gardens or as a feature tree, it benefits from a mulch of compost or leaf mould in spring to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds. Regular watering during dry spells and an annual feed in early spring will encourage healthy growth and vibrant autumn colour. This maple is well-suited to UK gardens.

Q: Can Acer capillipes be grown in a container or small garden?

A: While Acer capillipes can be grown in a large container, it is best suited to open ground where it can reach its full potential, typically growing 6–10 metres tall with a similar spread. In a small garden, it makes an ideal specimen tree if given adequate space to develop its upright, vase-shaped crown. When grown in a pot, choose a deep container with excellent drainage, and use a loam-based compost, such as John Innes No. 3, amended with grit. Keep soil evenly moist and feed annually. Prune only to remove dead or crossing branches in late winter or early spring.

Q: What are the bark and foliage features of Acer capillipes?

A: The standout feature of Acer capillipes is its beautifully striated bark, often described as snakeskin-like. The trunk and young stems are smooth, displaying vertical grey-white stripes against a red to olive-green background, intensifying in winter when the tree is leafless. This makes it an excellent choice for year-round interest. Its foliage comprises three-lobed, dark green leaves that are distinctively shaped and emerge in spring, turning brilliant yellow, orange, and red in autumn. The leaves are borne on red petioles, enhancing visual appeal. Together, the bark and foliage ensure this tree stands out in both formal and informal garden settings.

Q: Is Acer capillipes prone to any pests or diseases?

A: Acer capillipes is generally a healthy and hardy tree with good resistance to most pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally suffer from issues common to maples, such as leaf scorch during hot, dry summers or damage from strong winds. Ensure it is planted in moist but well-drained soil and positioned in a sheltered spot to mitigate such problems. It is also worth noting that Acer capillipes, like other maples, may be susceptible to verticillium wilt and honey fungus in poorly drained or infected soil. Good hygiene, proper watering, and careful site selection significantly reduce these risks.

Q: When does Acer capillipes flower, and what do its flowers look like?

A: Acer capillipes produces delicate racemes of small, yellow-green flowers in late spring, typically appearing after the leaves have unfurled. These subtle blooms, though not showy, add a gentle ornamental charm and are often followed by winged fruits (samaras) that ripen in autumn. The flowers are arranged in arching sprays and can attract pollinators to the garden. While not the tree’s primary decorative feature, the flowering phase contributes to its overall seasonal interest. The blossoms are typically borne on mature trees and are more visible when set against the backdrop of their vivid foliage and distinctive bark.

Q: Where can I buy Acer capillipes in the UK?

A: Acer capillipes is widely available from specialist nurseries, reputable garden centres, and online plant retailers across the UK. When selecting a specimen, choose a nursery that offers healthy, well-established plants with detailed care information. Young trees are typically sold in containers, making them suitable for planting throughout most of the year. For best results, source your tree during autumn or early spring to allow it to establish well in the garden. Whether you’re seeking a unique bark texture or an ornamental tree with vivid autumn foliage, Acer capillipes is a fine addition to both classic and modern landscapes.