Acer conspicuum Silver Vein - Maple

The Acer conspicuum 'Silver Vein', like all Snakebark Maples, is a small tree with particularly decorative bark. This variety is characterised by young bark that is dark reddish-brown with silver-white streaks, and coloured areas that change to green over time. In autumn, its leaves turn golden yellow. When leafless, its beautiful red branches veined with silver-white are a pleasure to behold in winter. Its modest size and slow growth make this small tree a good candidate for a prominent position in small gardens.

Like all maples, Acer conspicuum 'Silver Vein' belongs to the Sapindaceae family (formerly Aceraceae). It was bred by Pete Douwsma  for Hillier's Chandlers Ford Nursery in Hampshire, UK in 1961. Its parents are Acer davidii 'George Forrest' and A. pensylvanicum 'Erythrocladum'. 'Silver Vein' (sometimes mistakenly spelt 'Silver Vine') is a slow-growing, deciduous tree, reaching approximately 3m (9 in 10 ft) in height by the age of 10. When fully grown, it generally exceeds 4.50m (14 in 10 ft) in height with a spread of 2.50m (8 in 2 ft) to 3m (9 in 10 ft). It has a relatively short trunk topped with a semi-spreading crown. The young branches are red. The older branches and trunk, resembling that of a snakeskin during shedding, are longitudinally streaked with a slightly greyish-white colour. The deciduous opposite leaves,  are three-lobed and around 6 to 8cm (2.4 - 3.1 in) in length. They are light green when they first appear, darkening in summer, and turning yellow in autumn. The red petiole that carries them contrasts nicely with the yellow colour of the leaf blade in autumn. In June, an inconspicuous bloom gives way to winged fruits called samaras 3 to 5cm (1.2 - 2 in) in length.

Acer conspicuum 'Silver Vein' is a small tree that thrives in moderate sun or partial shade, in lime-free soils that are moist to dry in summer. If your garden can give it the conditions it loves, it will become the main attraction. This modestly-sized variety will be most at home in small gardens, highlighted in the centre of an ericaceous bed among understated perennials such as hostas, ferns, or bleeding hearts - plants that will not overshadow its distinctive personality.