Acer × zoeschense, the Zöschen maple, is a hybrid maple, a cross between Acer campestre (field maple), and either Acer lobelii (L'Obel'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]

Acer × zoeschense
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Sapindales
Family: Sapindaceae
Genus: Acer
Section: Acer sect. Platanoidea
Species:
A. × zoeschense
Binomial name
Acer × zoeschense
Synonyms

A. neglectum Lange (non Hoffmannsegg)

Description

edit

Acer × 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

edit

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

edit
  1. ^ a b c Mitchell, A. F. (1974). A Field Guide to the Trees of Britain and Northern Europe. Collins ISBN 0-00-212035-6
  2. ^ Huxley, A., ed. (1992). New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. Macmillan ISBN 0-333-47494-5.
  3. ^ a b Mitchell, A. F. (1982). The Trees of Britain and Northern Europe. Collins ISBN 0-00-219037-0
  4. ^ a b c d van Gelderen, C.J. & van Gelderen, D.M. (1999). Maples for Gardens: A Color Encyclopedia.

  Media related to Acer × zoeschense at Wikimedia Commons