The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Phoenix hybrid maple

Family: Aceraceae (maple family)

Distribution: hybrid: selection of Acer pensylvanicum 'Erythrocladum' × A. davidii

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: Phoenix hybrid maple is a terrific medium sized garden tree providing year round interest. It is a cross between two types of snakebark maple. It grows 6 ft. tall with a 6 ft. spread. This tree is happiest in dappled sunlight, doing well under larger trees, which serve to protect them from strong winds. The bark turns yellow-green with hints of orange in summer, which changes to a vivid orange with silver snake-like lines in the winter. The colder the winter the brighter the bark and it is this feature that makes it a most interesting specimen for cultivation.