Acer Monspessulanum

Montpelier Maple

Acer monspessulanum (Montpellier Maple) is a compact, drought-tolerant deciduous maple native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. It is valued for its small, leathery leaves, dense branching, and excellent heat tolerance, making it well suited to dry and challenging sites.

Leaves are three-lobed, glossy dark green, and thicker than most maples, helping the tree withstand heat and drought. Fall color ranges from yellow to orange and red, often subtle but attractive. The tree develops a rounded to irregular crown, sometimes multi-stemmed, with a sturdy, long-lived structure.

Montpellier maple thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soils, including rocky, calcareous, and alkaline soils. It is notably tolerant of drought, wind, heat, and urban conditions, outperforming many other maples in dry climates. Hardy in USDA Zones 6–9.

Mature size:



Height: 20–30 ft



Width: 20–30 ft



Ideal for small shade trees, dry landscapes, urban plantings, courtyards, and Mediterranean-style gardens, Acer monspessulanum is prized for its toughness, compact size, and adaptability where other maples struggle.

Plant type

Deciduous Tree

Height

20-30'

Width

20-30'

Hardiness zones

6–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Amber, Orange Red, Vanilla

Soil

Clay, Dry Area, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Specimen, Street Tree

Shape

Rounded

Bark

Smooth

Drought tolerant

Yes