Acer Capillipes 20 Litre Pot 175/200cm

Acer capillipes – Snakebark Maple for Striking Bark and Seasonal Colour

Acer capillipes, known as the Snakebark Maple, is a distinctive small tree that brings beauty to the garden in every season. Its elegant upright form, striking striped bark, and vibrant autumn colour make it an exceptional focal point for year-round interest. Ideal for smaller gardens, woodland settings, or as a specimen tree, it combines architectural presence with seasonal charm.

One of the more unusual Japanese maples, Acer capillipes is loved for its unique bark—green with pale vertical stripes—that becomes even more striking in winter when the leaves have fallen. In spring, fresh green foliage emerges, followed by clusters of small red flowers that give way to winged seeds. Come autumn, the leaves turn a spectacular mix of crimson, orange, and gold.

Why Grow Acer capillipes?

Beautiful Striped Bark

The smooth green bark, delicately striped with pale cream, is its signature feature. The bark’s beauty intensifies in winter, adding structure and interest when other plants have died back.

Seasonal Leaf Colour

Fresh green leaves provide a soft, airy canopy in spring and summer, transforming into a blaze of warm autumn colours before falling.

Compact and Versatile

With a naturally upright habit and a modest eventual height of around 6–10 metres, Acer capillipes is perfect for medium gardens and spaces where a feature tree is desired without overwhelming the landscape.

Low-Maintenance Elegance

It’s a hardy, trouble-free tree that requires minimal pruning and adapts well to a variety of garden styles, from naturalistic woodland plantings to more formal designs.

Planting & Care Guide

Position:
Prefers a sheltered spot in full sun to partial shade. In hotter regions, some afternoon shade helps protect the foliage.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal. Enrich the planting area with organic matter before planting.

Watering:
Water regularly during dry spells, especially in its first few years. Once established, it is reasonably drought-tolerant but will look best with consistent moisture.

Feeding:
Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring to support healthy leaf growth and vibrant autumn colour.

Pruning:
Minimal pruning is required. If shaping is necessary, prune in late summer to reduce the risk of sap bleeding.

Design Ideas & Combinations

Specimen Planting – Position in a lawn, gravel garden, or courtyard where the bark and autumn colour can be admired up close.

Woodland Gardens – Combine with other ornamental maples, birches, and underplant with ferns, hostas, or spring bulbs for layered seasonal interest.

Winter Interest – Plant where low winter light can highlight the bark’s stripes, perhaps alongside red- or white-stemmed dogwoods for a vibrant seasonal display.

Mixed Borders – Use as a backdrop to flowering shrubs like camellias or azaleas for a dynamic spring display.

Acer capillipes is a refined, low-maintenance ornamental tree with year-round appeal. From its fresh green spring foliage and dazzling autumn colours to its beautifully striped winter bark, it offers something special in every season—making it a perfect choice for gardeners seeking a unique and elegant feature tree.

Acer Capillipes 20 Litre Pot 175/200cm Grasslands Nursery Winter Hardy Average Rate Of Growth Deciduous

Does the height include the pot?

No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description

How long does delivery take?

Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.

Where will you leave my plants?

We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.