Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental / Specimen Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Aureum' or a similar green-leafed Acer palmatum species variety
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8; prefers temperate climates without extreme heat or wind exposure.
About This Tree
A small deciduous tree with a delicate, layered branching habit and a rounded to spreading crown. Known for its artistic form and slow to moderate growth rate, it often serves as a focal point in landscapes.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, palmately lobed with 5 to 9 deep lobes. The margins are finely serrated. Leaves are arranged oppositely on the stems. Color is vibrant chartreuse to light green in spring, transitioning to a deeper green in summer, and yellow, orange, or red in fall.
Bark Characteristics
The bark is smooth and greyish when young, developing light furrows or a slightly rougher texture with significant age. Younger branches often remain green or reddish-purple.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Japan, Korea, China; commonly planted in temperate regions worldwide.
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring; flowers in mid-spring; fruits (samaras) mature in late summer; enters dormancy after showing dramatic fall color in late autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to partial shade (filtered light is best to prevent leaf scorch); requires consistent moisture in well-drained soil; low drought tolerance.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 15 to 25 feet in height and spread; slow to moderate growth rate; can live over 100 years in ideal conditions.
Special Characteristics
Excellent fall color; highly valued in Japanese gardening and bonsai; sensitive to salt and high-pH soils; generally resistant to most major forest pests but susceptible to verticillium wilt.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites for small birds; flowers provide nectar for pollinators like bees in early spring; seeds (samaras) are occasionally eaten by squirrels and songbirds.