Acer cappadocicum subsp. lobelii (Caucasian Maple, Coliseum Maple, Cappadocian Maple, synonym Acer lobelii) is the most westerly occurring sub-species of Acer cappadocicum. This tree is found in Southern Italy and the Balkans, growing alongside such species as Fagus sylvatica, Quercus cerris and Alnus cordata. Lobel’s maple was first cultivated in 1865 and described by Italian botanist Michele Tenore who named it in honour of Flemish botanist Matthias de L’Obel. The prominent columnar habit, which it develops at an early age, and the equally distinctive blue-green waxy layer on the shoots make Lobel's maple easy to distinguish from the species. As it matures the crown becomes narrowly vase-shaped (fastigiate). Naturally occurring specimens grow up to a height of twenty metres or more but in cultivation this is limited to around eighteen metres and a width of up to only three to five metres.
Acer cappadocicum subsp. lobelii has a glossy, dark green, 5-lobed leaf with edges displaying greater undulation than the species. In the autumn the foliage changes to golden yellow. At the end of April or in early May - coinciding with the emerging foliage - the tree bears terminal, short, yellow-green corymbs which are very important for bees and other insects. After flowering, the samaras appear with fairly flat nutlets in almost horizontal wings. The greyish-brown bark of Lobel’s maple is vertically striped and peels as the tree matures. Juvenile in particular but also older branches and twigs are striped.
Lobel’s maple requires a nutrient-rich, moist and not too heavy soil and consequently in paved areas needs a substrate very well suited to improving the habitat of trees. Acer cappadocicum subsp. lobelii can, therefore, be planted in paved surrounds, is very tolerant to wind and also quite drought-resistant. The columnar crown makes the tree a perfect choice for streets and avenues. But this sub-species also adds an attractive vertical accent in parks, gardens and on squares. It does not sucker on its own roots, unlike when Acer cappadocicum subsp. lobelii is grafted on Acer cappadocicum.
