Acer lobelii

Acer lobelii, commonly known as Lobel’s Maple, is quite a rare tree that naturally occurred grouped together in pocket areas of Southern Italy. It is thought by some to be a natural hybrid between the Asian Acer cappadocicum and the European Acer platanoides. It has many differences from these parents and therefore, is accepted by many as a distinct species. It has thrived upon our nursery for many years and establishes extremely well here in the UK.

A unique aspect of Acer lobelii is its form, being one of the very few to be naturally fastigiate. Its narrow slender canopy reaches upwards, becoming vase-shaped and wider at the top than at its bottom. This allows for fantastic use within tighter urban locations where available space is at a minimum. It establishes extremely well in areas of hard surfacing and tolerates high winds caused by tunnels created by high infrastructure.

This is an ideal tree for tight central reservations and narrow pedestrian walkways. This trees distinct form also allows for stunning parkland planting. When planted as an avenue or a row along a driveway entrance, its precise form creates striking architecture.