Acer palmatum
Acer palmatum
Japanese maple
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Description
Acer palmatum, the beloved Japanese maple, is a graceful, deciduous small tree prized for its finely cut leaves and brilliant seasonal color. With hundreds of cultivars, it offers shapes and hues for every garden, shining in spring flushes and dazzling autumn reds, oranges, and golds. It thrives in dappled light, sheltered from harsh wind and hot afternoon sun.
Common Names
Japanese mapleSmooth Japanese maple
Context
nativeRegion
Japan, Korea, and eastern China
usdaZones
5–8 (to 9 in mild/coastal regions)
companionPlants
Azaleas (Rhododendron), Hosta, Ferns, Hydrangea, Hakonechloa (Japanese forest grass), Heuchera, Pieris, Dwarf conifers, Camellia
culturalUses
Iconic in Japanese gardens and courtyards, widely used as a specimen tree, for bonsai, and for autumn leaf viewing (momijigari). Excellent for containers and shaded patios.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBest in partial shade or morning sun with afternoon shade; full sun tolerable in cool climates with adequate moisture.
WateringKeep evenly moist, especially first 2–3 years; deep weekly watering in dry spells. Avoid waterlogging and allow the top inch to dry slightly between waterings in containers.
SoilRich, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral (pH ~5.5–7.0) loam with ample organic matter; mulch to keep roots cool.
FertilizerLight feeding in early spring with a balanced, slow‑release or organic fertilizer; avoid high nitrogen and late‑season feeding.
HumidityModerate humidity preferred; shelter from drying winds to reduce leaf scorch.
TemperatureHardy in cold winters to about -15 to -20°F once established; prefers 60–80°F in the growing season. Protect from hot, dry winds and intense afternoon sun in hot climates.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitDeciduous small tree or large shrub with elegant, layered branching and palmately lobed leaves (many finely dissected).
Mature SizeTypically 10–25 ft tall and wide; dwarf forms 6–10 ft.
Growth RateSlow to moderate growth; faster when young under optimal conditions.
BloomingInconspicuous red‑green flowers in spring; winged samaras follow. Noted primarily for vivid foliage, especially in fall.
DormancyDeciduous; enters winter dormancy after fall color display and leaf drop.
Propagation
MethodsSeed (cold stratification), Grafting onto A. palmatum rootstock, Softwood or semi‑hardwood cuttings, Air layering
DifficultyModerate (cultivars typically grafted; cuttings can be challenging)
Best SeasonLate winter–early spring for grafting and layering; early summer for cuttings; fall sowing or winter stratification for seed.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningMinimal; prune in late winter to early spring for structure and to remove dead/crossing wood. Light summer thinning only; avoid heavy cuts and topping.
RepottingFor containers/bonsai, repot every 2–3 years in early spring before bud break; up‑pot when rootbound. Landscape trees do not require repotting.
Pests & DiseasesAphids, scale, mites, caterpillars, and leafhoppers possible. Diseases include verticillium wilt, anthracnose, and powdery mildew; physiological leaf scorch in heat/drought. Ensure drainage and avoid trunk injuries.
ToxicityGenerally non‑toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. Caution with horses around large quantities of maple leaves (some Acer species are toxic), though A. palmatum is not commonly implicated.
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