Acer crataegifolium, commonly known as Hawthorn-Leaved Maple, is a deciduous tree native to the cool temperate forests of Japan, particularly in mountainous regions. It typically grows to a height of 5–10 meters with a trunk up to 30 centimeters in diameter. The bark is distinctive, being green to greenish-brown with narrow vertical white or pale grey stripes, reminiscent of a melon’s skin, which is reflected in its Japanese name, urikaede. The young shoots are slender and range from green to purplish-red, while the buds are purplish-red. During the flowering season, small, pale yellow flowers emerge on arched to drooping racemes 3–5 cm long, followed by the production of paired samaras 1–2 cm long, pink or red maturing to brown, with nutlets not more than 4 mm wide.

The Hawthorn-Leaved Maple is valued for its unique bark and attractive foliage, making it a desirable ornamental tree for gardens and landscapes. It is often used in small garden settings and can be a focal point due to its interesting bark pattern. The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it requires medium amounts of water. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it is not known for any significant disease or pest problems, it can be sensitive to harsh environmental conditions, such as strong winds or pollution.CC BY-SA 4.0