Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
Also listed as Acer eupalmatum
Also known as Palmate Maple, Smooth Japanese Maple, Purple Japanese-maple
Climate Match for your location
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A graceful ornamental tree prized for its delicate, deeply lobed foliage that ranges from green to deep red depending on variety, with brilliant fall color. Japanese maples are ideal for small gardens and provide year-round visual interest with their elegant branching structure.
Why grow it
Japanese maple distinguishes itself from other small ornamental trees through its refined branching architecture and consistent foliage interest across seasons, rather than relying on a single bloom period. Unlike many deciduous trees, it tolerates partial shade well and performs adequately in containers, making it suitable for space-limited gardens where larger shade trees are impractical. Its tolerance for acidic to neutral soil gives it an advantage in regions where alkaline conditions limit other ornamentals.
Watch out for
Japanese maple is sensitive to extreme heat and drought stress, particularly in regions with hot summers or sandy, fast-draining soils; consistent moisture and afternoon shade help prevent leaf scorch. Young trees benefit from protection against strong winds, which can damage the delicate branching structure. Some varieties are more cold-hardy than others, so selection matters in colder climates where late spring frosts can damage emerging foliage.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Sapindaceae
Native Range
Japan
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A graceful ornamental tree prized for its delicate, deeply lobed foliage that ranges from green to deep red depending on variety, with brilliant fall color. Japanese maples are ideal for small gardens and provide year-round visual interest with their elegant branching structure.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Japanese Maple grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Japanese maple distinguishes itself from other small ornamental trees through its refined branching architecture and consistent foliage interest across seasons, rather than relying on a single bloom period. Unlike many deciduous trees, it tolerates partial shade well and performs adequately in containers, making it suitable for space-limited gardens where larger shade trees are impractical. Its tolerance for acidic to neutral soil gives it an advantage in regions where alkaline conditions limit other ornamentals.
Watch out for
Japanese maple is sensitive to extreme heat and drought stress, particularly in regions with hot summers or sandy, fast-draining soils; consistent moisture and afternoon shade help prevent leaf scorch. Young trees benefit from protection against strong winds, which can damage the delicate branching structure. Some varieties are more cold-hardy than others, so selection matters in colder climates where late spring frosts can damage emerging foliage.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Sapindaceae
Native Range
Japan
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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