Propagation
Collect seeds when green and can be sowed directly or stratify seeds for 2 to 3 months and place in a cold frame. Germination may take up to 2 years.


Botanic information
Leaf: The 5-lobed broad-ovate leaves are up to 150mm (6in) wide with an abrupt acuminate apex and are densely pubescent when young. The margin is slightly dentate and the petiole is up to 50mm (2in) long.

Flower: The tree is dioecious and the yellow flowers appear on lateral branches before the foliage. The female flowers are arranged in a pendant raceme and the male flowers appear in a corymb on a pendulous peduncle that appears during spring.

Fruit: The reddish twin samara has nutlets that are covered in bristles and the wings are upright. It is suspended on a 50mm (2in) long stalk.


Pruning
The Maples normally do not require regular pruning apart from damaged, diseased or dead wood removal and this should be carried out from autumn to winter. Pruning in late winter or spring may result in bleeding of the sap and should be avoided. Remove reverted branches in variegated trees and clean up split bark with a sharp knife and allow natural healing.