Acer palmatum
JAPANESE MAPLE
Family: Aceraceae
Pronounced: AY-ser pal-MAY-tum
Quick Jumps
Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes
GROWING GUIDE
Origin:
China, Korea and Japan.
Plant Group:
Trees.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: A3, 2-10, 12, 14-24.
USDA zones: 6-8 (some may be hardy to 5).
Heat zones: 8-2.
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 palmatum species are 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.
Acer is the Latin word for maples, and palmatum means hand-like.
Photographed at Savage Plants & Landscape, Kingston, Washington.
Gardening for the Homebrewer: Grow and Process Plants for Making Beer, Wine, Gruit, Cider, Perry, and More
By co-authors Debbie Teashon (Rainy Side Gardeners) and Wendy Tweton