A CLOSER LOOK

After its autumn leaves have fallen, the Acer davidii ‘Viper’ tree shows off its striated bark. Brownish-green furrows break up the pale, silvery colour, making an eye-catching feature in the garden. On younger trees, the bark is a paler green, becoming darker and duller as it ages while retaining its distinctive patterning. Acer davidii is a member of the snake-bark maple group of trees, clearly named for its resemblance to snakeskin. The tree brings interest to the garden throughout the colder seasons, with leaves turning from bright green to vivid orange and red in the autumn before they fall and the striped bark takes the starring role. This tree reaches a height of approximately 23ft (7m) in 20 years, with a spread of 10-15ft (3-4.5m).