Acer negundo ‘Kelly’s gold’

This golden box elder is one of the brightest trees we grow at the nursery. The pinnate leaves emerge a soft lime-green before turning a brilliant, consistent yellow that holds its colour well through the season. Unlike some other golden-leaved trees, it resists scorching in the sun, though it still appreciates a bit of shelter from the harshest afternoon heat.

It typically forms a rounded, spreading canopy and can reach heights of around 12 metres over twenty years. It is a vigorous grower that isn’t fussy about soil types, provided the ground stays reasonably moist. We find it performs best in full sun to ensure the foliage stays vivid, as too much shade can cause the leaves to turn a duller green.

We recommend planting it where it can catch the low light of early morning or evening to really make the garden glow. Pruning is rarely needed except to remove crossing branches or to maintain a clear trunk. It makes a striking companion for dark-leaved shrubs or purple-flowering perennials which provide a sharp contrast to its sunny canopy.