Laceleaf Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum var. dissectum · Deciduous broadleaf, hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae (Soapberry family)
Tree Category
Ornamental, Landscape Accent
Variety / Cultivar
Viridis (likely, given the bright green foliage and mounded form)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 5 through 8 (sometimes 9 with sufficient shade and water).
About This Tree
A small, multi-stemmed deciduous tree with a graceful, weeping or dome-shaped habit. It features a fine-textured, dense canopy of deeply lobed, feathery leaves that create a layered, cloud-like appearance.
Leaf Characteristics
Opposite arrangement; palmately lobed and deeply 'dissected' into narrow, thread-like segments; bright green in summer, turning brilliant shades of gold, orange, or crimson in fall.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth gray-brown bark on the trunk and primary limbs; younger branches may be green or reddish; becomes slightly more textured/fissured with extreme age.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Japan, Korea, and China; widely adapted to temperate gardens globally
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring; flowers (inconspicuous) in mid-spring; intense fall color; dormant in winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to dappled shade; prefers protection from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch; requires consistent moisture and well-drained, acidic soil.
Mature Size
Typically 6 to 10 feet tall and wide at maturity; slow growth rate; can live over 50-100 years in ideal conditions.
Special Characteristics
Prized for its delicate, lace-like foliage and sculptural branching. Highly valued in Japanese gardens and Zen-style landscaping for its aesthetic elegance.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting cover for small birds due to dense branching; small samaras (winged seeds) provide food for squirrels and chipmucks; flowers offer early spring nectar for pollinators.