Acer negundo Kellys Gold - Maple

Acer negundo 'Kelly's Gold' is a small-sized variety of ash-leaved maple, well-suited to small gardens. It is valued for the golden colour of its foliage. Covered in gold in spring, this small tree becomes somewhat greener in summer before turning a dark gold or coppery gold in autumn. With its harmonious silhouette and dazzling foliage, this cultivar deserves a prominent place in a lawn.

Acer negundo, also known as Box elder, American Maple, or Manitoba Maple, belongs to the Sapindaceae family. It is native to the western United States and Virginia, but can also be found in Florida, Canada, and Quebec. This hardy tree prefers the vicinity of watercourses and wetlands, but can tolerate somewhat dry summers once established. It prefers clay-limestone soils, but can adapt to a wide range of moderately acidic soils. In its natural habitat, Acer negundo forms a large-crowned tree, reaching a height of 15m (49ft). It is a deciduous tree that loses its leaves in autumn.

Smaller in size, 'Kelly's Gold' rarely exceeds 6m (20ft) in height and 4m (13ft) in width. It forms a short and stout single trunk, with lower branches if it has enough space. If surrounded by other shrubs or trees, it tends to grow taller to seek light. Its natural habit is rounded, regular, and harmonious, supported by thin and fragile branches that are quite brittle. Its rough grey-ashen bark cracks over time, becoming a darker shade of grey. The young branches are bluish-green and covered with a white bloom. The leaves, 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) long, are divided into 3 to 9 ovate leaflets with a pointed tip and deeply serrated edges. They are particularly bright yellow in spring, chartreuse green in summer, and turn yellowish-orange before falling. The flowering, which is quite decorative, occurs in April-May, at the same time or slightly before the development of the young leaves. It consists of clusters of pendulous, thick, greenish-yellow female flowers and long, filamentous red male flowers. This variety does not produce fruit, and its foliage tolerates sun exposure quite well. Its wood is somewhat brittle.

Acer negundo 'Kelly's Gold' only requires moist soil and a location sheltered from strong winds and moist soil. It looks stunning as a focal point in the middle of a lawn or at the base of tall trees to create a medium-sized green screen or to brighten up a slightly dull corner of the garden. For example, the dark foliage of a purple hazel or a Black Lace elderberry will beautifully enhance its sunny foliage. It also looks great as a standalone tree in a medium-sized or even small garden, as long as it is regularly pruned to control its size.