Reference specimenAccession  SKU-01591

Acer fabri

Faber's Maple

At a glance
Type
Tree
Hardiness
USDA Zones 8–9
Sun
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil
Well-drained, Moist
Mature size
Height 25–30 Feet · Spread 12–15 Feet
Growth rate
Moderate
Seasonality
Evergreen
Faber's maple (Acer fabri), glossy unlobed evergreen leaves with copper-red new growth
Acer fabri, Faber's Maple at Woodlanders
A plant Woodlanders once offered on our catalogue

This variety is no actively in production in our propagation house and may not return to our catalogue. We maintain this page purely for reference and archival purposes. If you would like to grow this plant, tell us. Your interest helps guide what we bring back.

For a larger installation or commercial project, write hello@woodlanders.net.

Acer fabri, known as Faber's maple or emerald jade maple, is a small evergreen to semi-evergreen tree of rounded habit whose slender, prominently veined, pointed leaves are entirely unlobed; few would guess the plant for a maple until the winged seeds appear. The new growth flushes a fine copper red, and the samaras ripen red as well before fading to brownish yellow in late summer, so the tree carries color without depending on the usual autumn display.

Faber's maple is a rare species in cultivation, native to China, and a favored subject for bonsai, where the glossy foliage and tidy proportions show to advantage. In the open garden these trees have performed very well across several areas of the southern United States, holding their leaves through mild winters and shedding them only when hard cold arrives.

Use the tree as an evergreen specimen or small patio tree where the glossy leaves and red new growth can be enjoyed up close, in a sheltered spot with good drainage and even moisture. Native to China.

Design Notes

An evergreen specimen or small patio tree for a sheltered spot where the glossy leaves and red new growth can be enjoyed up close. Useful as a year-round screen in mild gardens, or among broadleaf evergreens where the unmaple-like foliage adds texture. A long-favored bonsai and container subject. Give these trees protection at the cold edge of their range.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

small red-tinged flowers; red samaras and copper-red new growth

Foliage. Slender, glossy, prominently veined unlobed leaves; evergreen through mild winters, with copper-red new growth.

Fruit. Winged samaras ripen red in late summer before fading to brownish yellow, a quiet substitute for fall color.

Habit. A small, rounded, broad-crowned tree, tidy in proportion and well suited to close viewing or to bonsai.

Care

Light. Full sun to part shade.

Soil. Fertile, well-drained soil with even moisture.

Water. Keep evenly moist while establishing; moderate thereafter.

Pruning. Takes pruning well; shape after the spring flush. Excellent for bonsai.

Hardiness. USDA zones 8 to 9; semi-evergreen or deciduous after hard cold.