Acer pentaphyllum pentaphyllum

Small, vase-shaped, multi-stemmed, deciduous tree. It is native to mixed forests and valleys in several hidden locations in southwestern Sichuan Province, China. This is an endangered species on the brink of extinction in the wild. Known populations at this time total fewer than 200 plants. Experts believe that survival is threatened by a combination of factors including habitat loss, animal grazing, harvest of woody fuel by local farmers, and fragmentation. Small yellowish flowers bloom in late spring each year. Flowers are followed by fruits with wing and nutlets. Opposite, palmately-compound, red-petioled, dark green leaves emerge late in spring each year. Autumn color ranges from yellow to orange to red. Cool, moist, acidic, well-drained soils in full sun to part-shade. Winter hardy. Sheltered from strong winds.