Acer palmatum

Scientific Name: Acer palmatum

Common Name: Japanese maple

Native Range: Korea, Japan

Zone: 5 to 8

Plant type & Form: Deciduous shrub or small tree with low-branching and a round form

Height: 10.00 to 25.00 feet

Spread: 10.00 to 25.00 feet

Bloom Time: April

Bloom Description: Reddish-purple

Flower: Small reddish-purple flowers in umbels that are attractive when up close

Fruit: Samaras (winged seeds) in pairs (3/4″ long) that ripen in September-October

Leaf: Palmate leaf (2-5″ long) with usually 5 or 7 pointed toothed lobes

Sun: Full sun to part shade, new foliage may scorch in full sun

Water: Medium

Soil type & pH: Prefers moist, organically rich, slightly acidic, sandy loams

Maintenance: Low

Suggested Use: Ornamental, sun-dappled understory tree

Tolerates: Rabbit, Black Walnut

Notes: This plant is typically grown for its attractive foliage and shape and is highly cultivated.

Identification notes: Look for the palmate leaf with 5-9 pointed, toothed lobes. The bark typically is a gray-brown color.