Acer distylum

A favourite of the curator: Acer distylum, native to Japan from where it was introduced in 1879. Rare in cultivation but seen in the wild where it has been appreciated by David Knott. The keys are brown and unattractive but autumn leaf colour is worth seeing. Planted on the s.w. corner of the oak lawn the leaves on this small tree gradually yellow on the tree, once fallen the leaves form a golden brown carpet.

On the Azalea lawn is Sorbus commixta one of the Eastern Asian species; a broad headed multi branched tree. Just now the autumn colour on this tree is unsurpassed in the garden; covered in deep burning reds it draws the eyes towards it.