Italian maple (Acer opalus, Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 8 (1768))

Family: Sapindaceae

Author: Mill.

Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 8 (1768)

Year: 1768

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Acer

Vegetable: False

Observations: SC. Europe to Caucasus

Description

The Italian maple, scientifically known as Acer opalus, is a member of the Sapindaceae family and is a captivating deciduous tree admired for its ornamental charm. First documented in the Gardener’s Dictionary eighth edition in 1768 by Mill., this maple variety is native to regions stretching from Southern Europe to the Caucasus.

Characterized by its robust and rounded crown, the Italian maple typically grows to a height of 10 to 15 meters. Its leaves are broad, roughly palmate, and deeply lobed, providing a lush green canopy during the spring and summer months. As the seasons transition to autumn, the foliage of the Italian maple transforms into a brilliant display of golden yellow hues, adding spectacular color to the landscape.

The Italian maple thrives in well-drained soil and favors locations that receive ample sunlight, although it can also tolerate partial shade. It is a resilient species, adapting well to various soil types and climatic conditions found within its native range. This adaptability, coupled with its attractive foliage and form, makes Acer opalus a popular choice for parks, gardens, and urban green spaces.

Flowering in the early spring, the Italian maple produces small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers that are followed by the development of winged samaras, or “helicopter” seeds, which disperse with the wind, ensuring the propagation of the species.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Italian maple plays an important ecological role within its native habitats. It provides food and shelter for a diverse array of wildlife, including birds and insects. The tree’s robust structure also helps in stabilizing the soil, preventing erosion in the environments where it naturally occurs.

In summary, the Italian maple (Acer opalus) is a versatile and visually striking tree that boasts a rich history and significant ecological value. Its beauty and adaptability make it a cherished addition to both cultivated landscapes and natural settings across its native range.

Common Names

Deu: schneeball-ahorn, schweizer ahorn
Eng: italian maple
En: Italian Maple, Opalus Maple
Ca: Blada de fulla gran
Nl: Italiaanse Esdoorn
Fr: Érable à feuilles d’obier, Érable d’Italie, Érable opale, Érable ayart, Érable de Mahon, Érable des Italiens, Érable duret
De: Schneeball-Ahorn, Schweizer Ahorn, Italienischer Ahorn, Schneeballblättriger Ahorn
It: Acero alpino, Acero fico, Acero italiano, Acero napoletano, Acero opalo
Sk: Javor kalinolistý
Es: Acirón, Asar, Illón, Orón
: Italian maple

Synonyms

• Acer italum var. opalus ((Mill.) Pax)
• Acer italum f. opalus ((Mill.) Schwer.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Apr 5, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2019 by Valérie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 27, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2021 by franck voisin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2017 by herve rey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2019 by frederic blanchon (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 21, 2021 by vicky (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 21, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2020 by André Hyvrier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2021 by carper ml (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2022 by Radomił Binek (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 5, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2022 by Robert Lequeux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 13, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Caw Vus (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7100278)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:781424-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Acer opalus Mill.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Tree

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘mar’, ‘apr’]

Soil nutriments: 5