Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental / Flowering Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Sango-kaku' (Coral Bark Maple) or 'Aureum', based on the bright chartreuse spring foliage and upright, multistemmed habit.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 5 - 8; sensitive to late spring frosts and extreme drying winds.
About This Tree
A small deciduous tree or large shrub with a rounded to vase-shaped habit. It features a layered, horizontal branching structure and a dense, fine-textured canopy. It is prized for its graceful form and seasonal color transitions.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, palmate leaves with 5 to 9 deeply cut lobes. The margins are finely serrated. Spring color is a brilliant light green/chartreuse, maturing to a darker green in summer, and turning golden-yellow to apricot-orange in the fall. Arrangement is opposite.
Bark Characteristics
Younger branches often show bright reddish or coral coloration (especially in cultivars like 'Sango-kaku'). Mature bark on the main trunk is smooth and greyish-brown, becoming slightly fissured with extreme age.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Japan, Korea, and China; widely adapted to temperate gardens globally.
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring (often with bright chartreuse or red tints); inconspicuous purple-red flowers appear in spring; produces winged samaras in summer; enters dormancy after a vibrant fall display.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers Partial Sun to Filtered Shade (leaves can scorch in intense afternoon sun). Needs consistent moisture and well-drained, acidic soil; moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Typically 15 to 25 feet in height and spread; slow to moderate growth rate. Can live over 100 years in ideal conditions.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional ornamental value due to delicate leaf texture and brilliant fall color. Highly popular for Bonsai and Japanese-style gardens. Relatively resistant to many pests but sensitive to Verticillium wilt.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites for small birds. The early spring flowers are a source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. Seeds (samaras) provide food for squirrels and songbirds.