This large shrub to small tree has a short greyish trunk with upright spreading branches that form a rounded crown. It has glossy dark green lobed leaves and the yellow green saucer-shaped flowers appear in a pendant cluster during early summer.

Hardiness zones 5 to 10 

Acer monspessulanum is naturally found from northern Africa to southern Europe and extending to western Asia growing in woodlands on the coast and inland on stony hillsides. 

It prefers a well drained fertile moist soil in a sunny wind protected position and is frost tolerant but drought tender. 

The French Maple is grown for its rounded habit and foliage. It is planted as a lawn specimen tree in small gardens or mass planted along borders for screening. It is suitable for coastal and inland regions establishing in 3-5 years and is long lived. It is also used as a shade tree for a large courtyard or used in commercial sites. In coastal positions the tree is moderately salt spray tolerant. ID 3191

Acer (AR-ser) monspessulanum (mon-SPES-yoo-LAH-num)

Sapindaceae (sap-in-DAY-see-ee) 
Litchi, Maple, Horse Chestnut and Hop Bush Family