The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: chocolate maple

Family: Aceraceae (maple family)

Distribution: China

Hardiness: USDA Zone 6

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: An exceedingly rare and unusual species of deciduous tree from China. While sometimes lumped into other species, it is distinct with its chocolate brown expanding leaves in spring eventually turning dark green. This adaptation is thought to decrease the likelihood of early herbivory of the new foliage since brown does not appear as palatable to browsing animals (insects included) as green. The tree is medium sized, growing to 25-30 feet after many years. Its culture and habit is otherwise similar to Japanese maple but has a better story!