Acer palmatum - Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum, widely celebrated as the Japanese Maple, is an exquisite deciduous tree known for its delicate foliage and stunning seasonal color transformations. This elegant species is native to Japan, Korea, and China, and has been a beloved feature in gardens around the world for its ornamental appeal.

Common Name: Japanese Maple
Mature Height (meters): 4-6 meters
Mature Width (meters): 4-6 meters
Spacing: Provide at least 4 meters of space from other plants or structures to allow for its natural spread.
Foliage: Japanese Maples are renowned for their fine-textured, palmate leaves that range in color from deep greens in the summer to fiery reds, oranges, and yellows in the fall. The leaves are typically five to seven-lobed and can be deeply dissected in many cultivars, adding to their intricate beauty.
Flowering Period: The tree produces small, purple-red flowers in spring, which are somewhat attractive but often overshadowed by the magnificent foliage.
Form/Habit: Acer palmatum has a graceful, rounded to dome-shaped habit, with branches that weep elegantly, creating a sense of peace and tranquility in the landscape.
Uses: Japanese Maples are versatile and can serve as stunning focal points, in garden beds, as container specimens, or when planted en masse for a dramatic effect in larger landscapes.
Evergreen/Deciduous: Deciduous
Tolerates: Prefers moist, well-draining soil and is somewhat tolerant of a range of soil pH levels. It is also tolerant of shade, making it a perfect understory tree.
Drought Hardy: Not particularly drought-hardy; requires consistent moisture to thrive.
Sun: Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. In hotter regions, it benefits from protection from the harsh afternoon sun.
Maintenance: Low to moderate; requires minimal pruning to remove dead or crossing branches and to maintain its natural form.
Water Requirement: Regular watering is vital, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist.