Snakebark Maple Serpentine A lovely tree for year-round interest in the smaller garden, Acer davidii Serpentine has the most striking bark of all the snakebark (Père David) maples. It’s a small, deciduous tree with arching branches and a round, spreading crown, denser than those of most snakebark maples. The bark on the trunk is deep bluish-purple when young, maturing to olive green, and strongly marked with vivid silvery-white striations. The young shoots are deep red, and the leaves, which are elliptical and pointed, are mid-green, turning deep red in autumn. Racemes of pale yellow flowers are followed by pinky-brown, winged seeds. Snakebark maple Serpentine was bred in the Netherlands, so is very well adapted to our climate. Site: ShelteredSoil: Any fertile, moist, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeSeason of interest: All yearHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: 16’ (5m) Spread: 16’ (5m) in 20 years