Acer palmatum
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JAPANESE MAPLE
Family: Aceraceae
Pronounced: AY-ser pal-MAY-tum
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
China, Korea and Japan.
Plant Group:
Trees.
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Mature size: Height: 25 feet (8 m). Width: 30 feet (10 m).
Leaf attributes: Mid-green leaves, 5-9 lobed and 2-5 inches long. In fall the leaves hold on to the tree late into the season and turn yellow, bronze, orange, purple or red.
Light: Dappled shade.
Soil: Humus rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Feeding: Side dress with compost and other amendments annually, and in spring use a complete organic fertilizer and give a light feeding.
Propagation Methods: Softwood cuttings.
Pruning Methods: Prune back branches smaller than ¾ of an inch in diameter during midsummer after the new growth is hardened-off. Any cuts that are over ¾ of an inch should be made in late winter when the buds swell.
Pests and Diseases: No significant problems.
Rainy Side Notes
Acer is the Latin word for maples, and palmatum means hand-like.
Acer palmatum species is valuable in the landscape as a specimen or accent plant in many garden situations. Regular irrigation is important during our summer drought. A deep soaking is preferable over frequent shallow watering.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed at Savage Plants & Landscape, Kingston, Washington.
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