novelty
Pick up on site

Golden Cappadocian maple (in 10 liter pot)

Acer cappadocicum Aureum

Elegant maple with a stunning colour shift. 'Aureum' offers golden leaves in spring and autumn, soft green in summer. Perfect for structure and contrast in large gardens and avenues.

Plant height
160/170 cm in 10 liter pot

25 €
TTC

No delivery for this item. Only available for collection from the nursery after ordering.

Quantity

Description

Height at maturity 8 to 12 m

Wingspan at maturity 6 to 10 m

Exposure Sun, partial shade

Flowering April - May

Hardiness -20°C

Origin European horticultural selection

Golden Cappadocian maple – Acer cappadocicum 'Aureum'

A radiant maple tree for light and structure in the garden

The Golden Cappadocian maple (Acer cappadocicum 'Aureum') is an elegant, medium- to large-sized ornamental tree valued for its brilliant golden-yellow foliage in spring and autumn. A European selection of a species native to Western Asia, it develops a broad, rounded crown with regular branching, ideal for use in parks, avenues, or structured garden compositions. The young leaves emerge in bright yellow edged with red, turning soft green in summer and returning to rich golden hues in autumn. This striking seasonal foliage display makes it perfect for contrast plantings or as a luminous focal point in lightly shaded areas. With its excellent hardiness, good disease resistance, and tolerance of urban conditions, it is a dependable choice for gardeners looking to introduce long-lasting structure and color — even in city settings.

Botanical origin and key characteristics

Geographic origin: Western Asia (Turkey, Iran, Caucasus); cultivar selected in Europe
Family: Sapindaceae
Distinctive traits: Shallow but wide root system, non-invasive; milky sap in young stems; elegant, balanced branching habit

Size and growth

Mature height: 10 to 12 m
Crown spread: 6 to 10 m
Growth rate: Moderate to fast (25–35 cm/year)
Form: Regularly rounded to gently spreading
Foliage: Deciduous, palmately lobed (5–7 lobes); golden yellow in spring, light green in summer, golden again in autumn
Bark: Smooth and light grey when young, becoming lightly fissured with age
Hardiness: Very good – down to –20 °C

Flowers and fruit

Flowering: April to May; upright clusters of small, yellowish-green, nectar-rich flowers
Fruits: Narrowly paired samaras; ripen in late summer; low seed production – non-invasive

Site and soil preferences

Light requirements: Partial shade to dappled light; tolerates full sun in cooler climates if soil remains moist
Soil: Deep, fertile, humus-rich and well-drained; tolerates light clay and neutral pH
Climate: Well suited to temperate, mountainous, or continental climates; adapts well to urban environments

Planting and maintenance

Best planting period: Autumn or early spring; year-round possible when container-grown
Spacing: Allow 4 to 5 meters of clearance from other trees or hard structures
Care: Apply organic mulch in summer to retain soil moisture; water regularly in the first two years
Pruning: Tolerates light shaping in winter (outside frost periods); minimal maintenance otherwise

Diseases and pests

The 'Aureum' maple is generally resistant to most diseases. Under humid conditions, minor issues may appear:

Leaf spots (e.g. anthracnose, tar spot): mostly cosmetic
Powdery mildew: rare, avoid overly shaded sites
Aphids in spring: may cause leaf curling on young shoots; treat preventively with black soap or nettle extract

Proper air circulation and avoiding excess moisture at the base are the best prevention.

Landscaping uses and combinations

This tree is ideal:

As a specimen tree in open lawns or large borders
In avenue plantings or large-scale design lines
In mixed plantings with darker foliage trees (Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea', Berberis, Cotinus)
With shade-tolerant perennials such as Hosta, Heuchera, and ferns, for elegant leaf contrasts