The Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) is a graceful, elegant deciduous tree renowned worldwide for its exquisitely dissected leaves, refined branching structure, and stunning autumn colors ranging from brilliant scarlet to deep burgundy. It is arguably the most ornamental of all maple species and has been cultivated in Japanese gardens for centuries, where it is a cornerstone of the traditional landscape aesthetic.
• Typically reaches 6 to 10 meters tall, occasionally to 15 meters in ideal conditions
• Over 1,000 cultivated varieties (cultivars) exist, exhibiting an extraordinary range of leaf shapes, sizes, and colors
• Leaves are deeply divided, typically with 5 to 9 pointed lobes, sometimes finely dissected into thread-like segments
• A staple of Japanese garden design for over 300 years
• The species name "palmatum" refers to the hand-like (palmate) shape of the leaves
• Found throughout the Japanese archipelago, from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south
• Grows at elevations from 100 to 1,500 meters in mountain forests, often along streams and in moist, cool ravines
• A common understory tree in Japanese temperate forests, growing beneath taller canopy species
• Cultivated in Japanese gardens since at least the Edo period (1603–1867)
• Introduced to Western horticulture by the Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thunberg in 1783
• First described by Thunberg, who named it palmatum for the hand-shaped leaves
Bark:
• Smooth, gray-green to grayish-brown on young trees; developing subtle ridges with age
• Young branches often greenish or reddish
Leaves:
• Opposite, palmately lobed with 5 to 9 (sometimes 11) lobes, 4 to 12 cm wide
• Deeply cut, sometimes finely dissected (laciniate) depending on cultivar
• Colors range from bright green to deep burgundy, orange-red, and variegated forms
• Fall color is spectacular: scarlet, crimson, gold, or orange, depending on cultivar
Fruit:
• Small paired samaras, 1 to 2 cm long, with wings at a narrow angle
• Often reddish when young, maturing to brown
Size:
• Typically 6 to 10 meters tall with a spread of 4 to 8 meters
• Dwarf cultivars may remain under 1 meter
• Functions as an understory and subcanopy tree in its native habitat
• Thrives in the dappled shade of taller forest trees
• Leaves provide food for various Lepidoptera larvae
• Seeds are consumed by small birds and mammals
• The species plays a role in forest succession, colonizing gaps in the canopy
• Prefers cool, moist, humid conditions characteristic of mountain forests
• Roots form mycorrhizal associations that aid in nutrient uptake
• Sensitive to scorching heat and drying winds
• Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List
• Widespread and common in Japan, with stable populations
• Some wild populations in parts of Korea and Russia may be locally depleted due to collection for horticulture
• The vast number of cultivated varieties ensures the species' genetic diversity is well-preserved in cultivation
• Protected in national parks and forest reserves across Japan
• Hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8
• Prefers partial shade, especially in hot climates; protect from hot afternoon sun
• Requires well-drained, acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5), rich in organic matter
• Consistent moisture is critical; drought stress causes leaf scorch
• Mulch heavily to retain moisture and protect shallow roots
• Shelter from strong, drying winds
• Prune in late summer to mid-winter to minimize sap bleeding
• Hundreds of cultivars available; select based on desired size, leaf form, and color
• Excellent for containers, bonsai training, and Japanese-style gardens
Ornamental horticulture:
• Over 1,000 named cultivars exist, ranging from dwarf forms suitable for containers to large garden specimens
• Leaf forms include standard palmate, dissected (laceleaf), linearilobum (strap-leaved), and variegated types
• Colors include green, red, purple, bronze, pink, orange, and bi-colored forms
• A cornerstone of Japanese garden design and widely used in temperate gardens worldwide
Bonsai:
• One of the most popular species for bonsai cultivation
• Prized for its fine branching, small leaves, and dramatic seasonal color changes
Other uses:
• Leaves are sometimes used in traditional Japanese cuisine as tempura garnish
• Wood is occasionally used for small woodworking projects and decorative objects
Wusstest du schon?
Japanese Maple has been cultivated in Japan for so long that over 1,000 named cultivars exist, making it one of the most variable ornamental tree species in the world. Some of the finest dissected-leaf forms were developed by Japanese nurserymen during the Edo period and have been preserved through careful grafting for over 300 years.
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