Named after George Forrest, the famous Scottish botanist who collected the original seeds during his 1921 exhibition to the remote province of Yunnan. George returned these seeds to the UK, and because this cultivation was so unique amongst Acer davidii, it was named in his honour.

It is commonly referred to as Snake-bark due to the snake skin like appearance. The green leaves contrast beautifully against the ruby red stalks during the summer, with fantastic autumn colour to follow. When wind flows, it causes the canopy to come alive like the licking flames of a bonfire. As the leaves fall, the attractive unworldly bark remains a keen feature during the winter months. It is tolerant of most soil types and will thrive in a free-draining location.