Acer monspessulanum L. Montpelier Maple Native to south Europe and west Asia, where it grows on dry rocky ground. Cultivated in small gardens and parks, and often as a hedge in south Europe. May grow to about 15m (50ft) but is usually much less and often shrubby in form. Flowers open in June developing into a mass of usually red keys, with down-curved wings about 2.5cm (1in) long. Leaves are similar to those of Cretan Maple (A. sempervirens), but fall earlier. Bark is dark, almost black with vertical cracks. Z5.