Spring Red Leaves Round Two: The Fiery Acer Pseudosieboldianum on Mount TaiPing

Text / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department

 

Every spring, as the season arrives at Mount TaiPing National Forest Recreation Area, the lush green forests gradually sprout new buds, while numerous wildflowers and plants prepare to bloom. During this time, the leaves of the Acer pseudosieboldianum — shaped like maple leaves — regrow in early spring after shedding in winter, displaying deep purple to fiery red hues. This allows visitors to enjoy a unique maple leaf experience in springtime Mount TaiPing, taking in exotic scenery.

The Acer pseudosieboldianum trees in Mount TaiPing are mainly located on both sides of the central staircase. Under the penetration of sunlight, the leaves glow a vibrant red, as vivid as a painting, becoming the most eye-catching spectacle. Therefore, it is recommended that visitors walk up along the staircase, as if strolling through a tunnel of red leaves, then continue on to the pristine forest of Mount TaiPing to immerse themselves in the rich phytoncide atmosphere of the cypress woods.

 

The crimson foliage of the Acer pseudosieboldianum can be admired starting from April. Unlike typical autumn foliage, these leaves change color not in fall but after shedding in the autumn and winter seasons. When new buds emerge in the following spring, they grow into deep purple leaves, maintaining this color until around October before shedding again.

 

The leaves of the Acer pseudosieboldianum are actually very similar to the more commonly known maple leaves, except that they have more deeply lobed edges and serrated margins, which often leads to them being mistaken for maples. While true maple trees only begin to change color as temperatures drop in autumn, the Acer pseudosieboldianum displays its deep purple hue right from the moment new leaves emerge.

 

 

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