Phoenix Snakebark Maple

Phoenix Snakebite Maple (Acer conspicuum x 'Phoenix')

Phoenix Snakebite Maple (Acer conspicuum x 'Phoenix') is a distinctive small ornamental maple grown for its striking striped bark and refined canopy that brings true four-season interest to the landscape. Through the growing season it carries fresh green foliage that creates a calm, layered look in the garden, then shifts into warm yellow tones in fall. After leaf drop, the real show begins, with smooth bark marked by bold vertical striping that stands out against snow, evergreens, and dark fences. With its manageable size and winter-forward beauty, Phoenix Snakebite Maple makes an excellent focal point near patios, entry gardens, and window views where you can appreciate the bark up close.

Distinctive Features

The signature feature is the snakebark pattern, with crisp vertical striping that looks almost painted and becomes more noticeable as the tree matures. The form is typically upright and lightly branched, giving it a clean silhouette that does not crowd nearby plantings. Leaves provide a tidy summer canopy, then transition into a warm fall finish before dropping to reveal the bark in full. This tree is especially valuable in landscapes where winter interest matters, since the trunk and branches provide structure and visual texture when most plants are dormant.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade; part shade is helpful in hotter sites.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil is ideal; avoid droughty or compacted sites.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment and water during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 7.
• Habit: Deciduous small tree with an upright form and distinctive striped bark.
• Mature Size: About 15 to 20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Place where the striped bark can be appreciated in winter, such as near a window view or along a main path.
• Four-Season Landscape Design: Add structure and winter interest to gardens that need visual appeal after leaf drop.
• Courtyard and Small Gardens: Provides a collector-style tree feature without needing much space.
• Woodland Edge Accent: Use along lightly shaded edges with understory shrubs and perennials.
• Evergreen Contrast Planting: Pair with dark conifers or broadleaf evergreens to make the bark pattern look even sharper.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during the first one to two seasons; maintain even moisture for best long-term vigor.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 to 3 inch mulch layer over the root zone to conserve moisture and protect roots, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter to remove crossing branches and refine shape; avoid heavy pruning that can reduce the natural form.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in spring if growth is slow; organic mulch often provides enough support in good soils.
• Site Selection: Protect from hot, drying wind and intense reflected heat to keep the tree looking its best through summer.

Why Choose Phoenix Snakebite Maple?

• Show-Stopping Snakebark: Bold striped trunk and branches provide true winter interest and year-round design value.
• Compact Ornamental Size: Fits smaller landscapes while still feeling special and substantial.
• Four-Season Appeal: Clean summer foliage, warm fall color, and standout bark after leaf drop.
• Refined Form: Upright branching creates a clean silhouette that works in many landscape styles.
• Easy Focal Point Value: Adds rare visual character with straightforward care in the right site.

If you want a distinctive small tree with dramatic winter bark that keeps your landscape interesting after the growing season ends, Phoenix Snakebite Maple delivers four-season focal point presence in a compact, garden-friendly form.