Acer palmatum
Japanese Maple
Description
This magnificient plant can used as a small tree or shrub. It is deciduous with graceful leaves which have a scarlet color in spring as it leafs out. Leaves later turn orange or yellow in fall. It is slow growing to 20', and requires shelter from the hot sun. The leaves of this tree are small, light green in color, and deeply lobed. It should also be noted that this tree remains spectacular throughout all seasons. (2nd photo courtesy of Steve Mullany)
Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Height Range
12-25'
Flower Color
n/a
Flower Season
n/a
Leaf Color
Bronze, Green, Dark Green, Light Green, Yellow Green, Orange, Red, Yellow, Variegated
Bark Color
Brown, Green, Grey
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half, Shade
Water
Medium, Extra in Summer
Growth Rate
Slow
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam
Soil Condition
Average, Rich, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Formal, Japanese, Meadow, Water Garden, Woodland
Accenting Features
Fall Color, Multi-trunk Tree, Silhouette, Specimen, Unusual Foliage, Unusual Shape
Seasonal Interest
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Entry, Foundation, Lawn, Patio, Raised Planter, With Rocks
Special Uses
Container, Naturalizing, Small Spaces
Attracts Wildlife
Birds, Wildlife
Water Saving Tip:
Consider replacing some lawn areas with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs.
Good candidates for removal are portions of large lawns, areas where no one uses the grass, patches that don't grow well, or spaces too small to water without overspray.