Acer

Maples are elegant trees and shrubs which are quite distinct from other plants. They display an extraordinary range of leave patterns and colors, bark and general structure.

Maples have always been one of our favourites. The collection now holds 202 taxa and is one of the most complete collections of all genera in the Arboretum. It is our ambition to grow at least one specimen of every species, hardy in Belgium. Representing all known cultivars is however impossible. There are more than 500 known cultivars of Acer palmatum alone. We do have 86 of these, which indicate the amazing variety of shapes, color of leaves and variation in growth habit (fastigiated or weeping, tree like or shrubby).

Maples are particularly spectacular in spring when new leaves appear and in the autumn when these take on various shades of yellow, orange, red or purple. Come and see them in the months of October and early November. They are one of our great attractions.

Pictures © Arboretum Wespelaar