Cappadocian Maple Tree

Cappadocian maple (*Acer cappadocicum*), also called Caucasian or Coliseum maple, is a broad-crowned deciduous shade tree from forests across western and central Asia. In cultivated landscapes it commonly reaches about 25–35 feet tall and 20–25 feet wide; larger trees occur in its native range, so give it room for a mature canopy. ## Landscape character The rounded crown carries large, palmately lobed leaves that are bright green through the growing season and turn yellow to red in fall. Small greenish-yellow flowers open in spring, followed by winged samaras that add seasonal interest. This is a useful specimen or lawn tree for a spacious yard, park, or broad planting bed. It can also form a small grove where its natural suckering habit is welcome. It is too large for a narrow foundation bed or a small courtyard. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/acer-cappadocicum/common-name/cappadocian-maple/) describes the tree’s landscape size and ornamental features; the [Dawes Arboretum collection record](https://dawesarb.arboretumexplorer.org/taxon-19297.aspx) confirms its Asian distribution and cold hardiness. ## Growing conditions Grow in **USDA zones 5–7**, in full sun or partial shade. The tree tolerates varied soils, but performs best in moist, well-drained soil with plentiful organic matter and an acidic reaction. NC State lists resistance to dry soil; that supports some drought tolerance after establishment, not a promise of good performance with prolonged desert dryness. Water newly planted trees regularly while roots spread, then adjust irrigation to local rainfall and soil moisture. No WUCOLS water-use rating was verified for this species. Avoid persistently waterlogged sites. ## Maintenance Expect **moderate maintenance** if you want a single-trunk tree. Inspect the base and remove unwanted root suckers before they develop into a thicket; in a large naturalized space, the suckers can instead be allowed to form a grove. Prune selectively to maintain a sound framework and remove dead or crossing branches, rather than shearing the crown. The [Chicago Botanic Garden’s Turkish maple profile](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/acer-laetum-turkish-maple) notes this maple’s tendency to produce root suckers. Keep mulch over the root zone, away from the trunk, and water during establishment and extended dry periods.