Acer sempervirens, the Cretan maple, is a species of maple native to southern Greece and southern Turkey.
Acer sempervirens is an evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub or small tree, one of the very few evergreen species in the genus. It grows to 10 metres (33 ft) tall with a trunk up to 50 centimetres (20 in) in diameter. The bark is dark grey, smooth in young trees, becoming scaly and shallowly fissured in mature trees. The shoots are green at first, becoming dull brown in the second year. The leaves are opposite, hard and leathery in texture, 1–4 centimetres (0.39–1.57 in) long and 1–3 centimetres (0.39–1.18 in) across, glossy dark green with a yellow 1 centimetre (0.39 in) petiole, variably unlobed or three-lobed (often on the same shoot); the lobes have an entire (toothless) margin. The flowers are yellow-green, produced in small pendulous corymbs. The fruit is a double samara with two rounded, winged seeds, the wings 1.5–3 centimetres (0.59–1.18 in) long, spread at an acute angle.It is one of the most drought- and heat-tolerant species in the genus, occurring on dry, sunny hillsides at moderate elevations. It is closely related to Acer monspessulanum from further north and west in Europe, differing from it in being a smaller, often shrubby tree, and in its smaller, evergreen leaves.
Cretan maple has good resistance to disease and is typically not susceptible to illnesses. As for care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger plants usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have bloomed. Cretan maplet is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not need a lot of plant-care experience.
How to keep Acer Sempervirens.
Light
The Cretan maple is native to open habitats, for instance sunlit meadows and forest margins, where light is abundant. It performs best in Full Sun but can also tolerate Partial Sun, showing good adaptability to different light conditions.
Water
Cretan maple flourishes in Mediterranean climates. While it can tolerate short periods of drought, it prefers consistent moisture. For optimal growth, water it twice a week. When grown indoors, maintaining higher humidity levels will help promote lush foliage and overall health.
Temperature
Cretan maple shows good adaptability to temperature, able to endure higher heat and wide temperature swings. In hot weather, it is important to ensure adequate watering and provide proper shade to avoid sunburn. On the other hand, Cretan maple is relatively intolerant of low temperatures. Although it can tolerate some cold, very low temperatures can cause frost damage.
Fertilizer
Fertilize your Cretan maple in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Regular feeding improves overall health, leading to vigorous development, increased tolerance of harsh conditions, and enhanced resistance to pests and diseases. Keep a consistent fertilizing schedule for your Cretan maple to preserve vibrant, deeply colored foliage and a lush appearance.
Pruning
Pruning Cretan maple trees in early spring promotes new growth, improves airflow, and strengthens the branch structure. To maintain the tree's size and shape and reduce the risk of pests, remove any dead or diseased wood and conduct light trimming. These practices encourage healthier, denser foliage, enhancing both the tree's growth and aesthetic appeal.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Acer
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 7-10
- Mature Height
- 6.1 m
- Mature Spread
- 3.05 m
- Leaf Color
- Green, Yellow, Brown
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow, Green
- Flower Size
- 0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Native Area
- Turkey, Greece
Other names.
Reader questions.
What are the sun requirements for a Cretan maple (Acer sempervirens)?
The Cretan maple (Acer sempervirens) requires specific sunlight conditions to thrive. It needs full sun, which means the plant should receive above 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, it can also tolerate partial sun, about 3-6 hours of sunlight daily. It's essential to watch how sunlight moves through your garden throughout the day to find spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade, ensuring the happiness and health of your Cretan maple.
What is the name of the plant?
The name of the plant is Cretan maple.
What is the botanical name of Cretan maple?
The botanical name of Cretan maple is Acer sempervirens.
