Acer × zoeschense

Acer × zoeschense (Zoeschen Maple) is a hybrid maple, a cross between Acer campestre (Field Maple), and either Acer lobelii (Lobel's Maple)^[1][2] or Acer cappadocicum (Cappadocian Maple).^[3][4] While Field Maple parentage is universally accepted, the second parent is uncertain, though the tree's extensive production of root sprouts favours A. cappadocicum over A. lobelii.^[3] It takes its name from Zöschen Nurseries in Germany, where it first appeared as a garden hybrid (as opposed to a hybrid occurring in nature) at some time before 1870.^[1][4]

Additional recommended knowledge

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

Correct Test Weight Handling Guide: 12 Practical Tips

Daily Visual Balance Check

Description

A. × zoeschense is a medium-sized tree growing up to 20 m (66 feet) tall, and almost as wide. The shiny, five-lobed leaves are 10–11 cm long and up to 14 cm broad, dark green, often with purplish edges. The petioles produce a milky latex when broken. The flowers are produced in open corymbs 5–10 cm diameter, each flower small, pale yellow-green, with five sepals but no petals. The fruit is a paired samara 5 cm across; the two seeds are usually sterile.^[1][4]

Cultivation

One cultivar, A. zoeschense 'Annae', was popular as a street tree in previous generations. In the United Kingdom, a mature and magnificent example of 'Annae' can be viewed in Westonbirt Arboretum. The Japanese cultivar, 'Kinka', has variegated foliage.^[4]

References