This cultivar was first propagated in France at the Simon Louis nursery during the mid-1800s. It was chosen for its closed, upright canopy and lasting columnar shape. For today’s market, this presents new possibilities of planting a sizeable tree that conforms to difficult inner-city requirements.

It can be designed precisely within smaller areas between lamp columns, urban cameras, and other utilities without spreading out and overtaking them. Its closed-canopy ensures it is more wind resistant, reducing the risk of limb failure in busy pedestrian areas. The leaves will endure reflected heat exceptionally well and will thrive amongst large city buildings.

All of these additional benefits from an already strong contender that will establish on poor, compacted soils.

And it’s not just useful to us. Its flowers are a firm favourite for bees and provide copious amounts of nectar and pollen in urban locations. Its flowers develop under the leaves which protect them from the rain, ready to feed the continual visits of bees and butterflies in early spring.

The large leaves are typical maple-shaped with a vigorous look of green vitality. It is usually the first Maple to produce its leaves in spring and holds onto its lemon iced autumn colour somewhat longer than most.