Scientific Name
Acer stachyophyllum
The spike-leafed maple is a small maple divided into two subspecies, betulifolium and stachyophyllum. The two trees at Regis apparently belong to the betulifolium subspecies (signifying birch-leafed) which is native to the central and western provinces of China. The stachyophyllum subspecies has a more southern Asian distribution which would make it less cold hardy. As with all maples, the leaves are opposite on the twigs, and the fruits are double-winged samaras with a pair of seeds. The leaves are about 2 inches long with serrations, sometimes with lobing, have a rather long point and are downy on the undersides. We anticipate this tree growing no taller than about 20 feet tall. The form of the tree at Loyola Hall has developed so far in a very interesting artistic and intricate weave, as wide as it is tall. It has already produced the double-winged fruits in quantity.