Acer propagation and identification help.

[acerbeginner123]

Hi, I've had this acer in my garden since I moved in 30 years ago. It's not changed shape significantly in that time and we've done nothing to train or shape it. It's around 7ft tall. I'd like to try to propagate it, and was thinking of air layering but have read some weeping acers can't be air layered? Any advice on how best to propagate it, and if possible what type it is would be greatly appreciated.

 

[SeanS]

It’s an Acer Palmatum

 

[Shibui]

More specifically, one of the weeping dissectum type Acer palmatums.
Unfortunately, there are many similar cultivars so it's not possible to ID the actual cultivar.
As far as propagating, These weeping cultivars don't seem to grow well on their own so are almost always grafted onto Acer palmatum seedlings.
You could try growing from seed. The seedlings won't be exactly the same due to genetic variability but I've found that most seedlings from weeping dissectum acers are also weeping dissected leaf types. The problem is that most are not strong growers so they tend to die off a few at a time. I've only ever had 1 that lasted nearly 10 years.

These maples look great as landscape trees but don't make great bonsai IMHO

 

[acerbeginner123]

More specifically, one of the weeping dissectum type Acer palmatums.
Unfortunately, there are many similar cultivars so it's not possible to ID the actual cultivar.
As far as propagating, These weeping cultivars don't seem to grow well on their own so are almost always grafted onto Acer palmatum seedlings.
You could try growing from seed. The seedlings won't be exactly the same due to genetic variability but I've found that most seedlings from weeping dissectum acers are also weeping dissected leaf types. The problem is that most are not strong growers so they tend to die off a few at a time. I've only ever had 1 that lasted nearly 10 years.

These maples look great as landscape trees but don't make great bonsai IMHO

Hi thanks for your reply. I did think it would be hard to identify.

i should have added though I've never ever seen it have seeds or flowers in 30 plus years.

So do you think I could try grafting this onto another root stock?

 

[Shibui]

i should have added though I've never ever seen it have seeds or flowers in 30 plus years.

acer flowers are inconspicuous. Most people are surprised when they do notice them. Seeds are usually similar colours to the leaves so often only noticed after the leaves fall. Your climate might make it difficult for pollination so no seeds but I'd be surprised if it doesn't have some each year at that age.

So do you think I could try grafting this onto another root stock?

You could certainly try.
Success will obviously depend on how good your grafting skills are. I've grafted weeping maples but my success rate is low because I don't get enough practice. Approach grafting makes it easier to have success if you can work out how to keep a root stock plant alive beside your tree for a month or so while the graft heals.
A. plamatum is usually grafted onto Acer palmatum. I don't know if any other species are compatible.

Good luck.

 

[TrimmyWhimmy]

A. plamatum is usually grafted onto Acer palmatum. I don't know if any other species are compatible.

Acer palmatum, japonicum, and sieboldianum can be grafted onto each other. I have an aconitifolium that shoots palmatum leaves from its rootstock.