Painted Maple
Acer pictum
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Description
Acer pictum, known as the Painted Maple, is a deciduous tree native to East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. It is valued in regenerative agriculture for its role as a mid-story canopy tree in food forests. The tree provides essential ecosystem services such as habitat for birds and insects, and its leaf litter enhances soil fertility and structure. Historically, the tree has been used for its sap, which can be tapped as a sweetener. In agroecology, it can be paired with nitrogen-fixing shrubs like Elaeagnus species to improve soil health. Its vibrant autumn foliage adds visual appeal to landscapes, and it serves as a windbreak and erosion control plant.
Growing Details
Acer pictum thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion planting with nitrogen-fixing shrubs like Elaeagnus can enhance soil fertility. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Harvest sap in early spring when temperatures rise above freezing during the day and drop below at night. Store sap in a cool place and process pr
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Fire Wood
Building Wood
Windbreak
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Colouring
Sweetener
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Acer pictum</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to East Asia, including China, Japan,
applicable geo region: East Asia
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of September for 60 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(2/5)
edible uses: The sap of Acer pictum can be tapped in early spring and used as a sweetener, similar to maple syrup, though it is less commonly utilized than sugar maple sap. It is important to ensure the tree is mature enough before tapping to avoid damage.
Medicinal Rating:
(1/5)
medicinal uses: While not extensively documented, the Painted Maple has been used in traditional herbal medicine practices in East Asia. The bark and leaves have been used in decoctions for their purported anti-inflammatory properties.
health concerns: Ensure proper identification before using any part of the tree for consumption or medicinal purposes.
other uses: The wood of Acer pictum is prized for its strength and workability, making it suitable for furniture and tool handles. It is also used as firewood.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Acer pictum</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Acer pictum
common names: Painted Maple; Yellow Maple; Mono Maple
family: Sapindaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Acer
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.0 m
spacing: 5.0 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / -20ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:
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(5/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 100 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 15.0 m
max width: 10.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Monoecious
growth details: Acer pictum thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion planting with nitrogen-fixing shrubs like Elaeagnus can enhance soil fertility. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Harvest sap in early spring when temperatures rise above freezing during the day and drop below at night. Store sap in a cool place and process pr
Potential Disturbances: Natural pest management includes introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphids. Planting garlic or chives nearby can deter scale insects. For fungal diseases such as verticillium wilt, ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Neem oil can be used as an organic spray to manage pest populations.
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