Japanese Maple
(Acer palmatum)
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
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harum.koh
CC BY-SA 4.0
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harum.koh
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CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: harum.koh | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: harum.koh | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2016-11-20T13:58:58-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Acer palmatum, commonly known as Japanese Maple, is a deciduous tree native to the forests of Japan and Korea. It typically grows to a height of 6 to 10 meters (20 to 33 feet), occasionally reaching up to 16 meters (52 feet), and a width of 4.5 to 10 meters (15 to 33 feet). It often grows as an understory plant in shady woodlands, and may have multiple trunks joining close to the ground. Its canopy often takes on a dome-like form, especially when mature. The individual flowers, produced in the spring, are red and purple with white petals.
Japanese Maple is particularly suitable for borders and ornamental paths due to its compact and non-invasive root system. Many varieties are successfully grown in containers. The tree is prone to die during periods of drought and prefers consistent water conditions; more established trees are less prone to drought. It benefits from being mulched yearly with a 2" layer of aged organic matter mulch, covering at least beyond the entire drip-line of the tree, but not allowed to touch the bark at the base of the tree. Moderate to well-drained soil is essential as they will not survive in poorly drained waterlogged soil. Trees do not require or appreciate heavy fertilization and should only be very lightly fertilized. In cultivation, it generally does best in full sun or part shade. Acer palmatum is potentially invasive in some parts of the world. Before growing this plant outside its native range, please check to see if it is invasive in your area.CC BY-SA 4.0
Japanese Maple is particularly suitable for borders and ornamental paths due to its compact and non-invasive root system. Many varieties are successfully grown in containers. The tree is prone to die during periods of drought and prefers consistent water conditions; more established trees are less prone to drought. It benefits from being mulched yearly with a 2" layer of aged organic matter mulch, covering at least beyond the entire drip-line of the tree, but not allowed to touch the bark at the base of the tree. Moderate to well-drained soil is essential as they will not survive in poorly drained waterlogged soil. Trees do not require or appreciate heavy fertilization and should only be very lightly fertilized. In cultivation, it generally does best in full sun or part shade. Acer palmatum is potentially invasive in some parts of the world. Before growing this plant outside its native range, please check to see if it is invasive in your area.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 10-25 feet
- Width: 10-25 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Understory of shady woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Palmate Maple, Smooth Japanese Maple, Fächerahorn, Érable Du Japon, Japansk Lönn, 단풍나무, Danpungnamu, Ji Zhua Feng, Takao-Momiji, Iroha-Kaede, Iroha-Momiji
Scientific Names: , Acer palmatum, Acer palmatum var. dissectum, Acer palmatum var. atropurpureum, Acer dissectum, Acer palmatum var. thunbergii, Acer palmatum var. palmatum, Acer palmatum f. sanguineum, Acer formosum, Acer polymorphum
GBIF Accepted Name: Acer palmatum Thunb.