Acer rufinerve, commonly known as Red Veined Maple, is a deciduous tree native to cool temperate forests in Japan, particularly thriving in mountainous regions and forest edges. It typically grows to a height of 8–15 meters with a trunk diameter up to 40 cm. The bark is distinctive on young trees, being smooth and olive-green with regular narrow vertical pale green to greyish stripes and small greyish lenticels; on older trees, the bark becomes rough and grey. The leaves are opposite, 8–15 cm long and wide, with three or five lobes; the lobes are pointed, with a serrated margin. The foliage turns a bright yellow or red in the fall, adding seasonal interest to the landscape.

The Red Veined Maple is valued for its ornamental striped bark, which provides winter interest, and its attractive fall foliage. It is often used in gardens and parks for its visual appeal and relatively small size, which makes it suitable for urban environments. This species prefers full sun to partial shade and can adapt to a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it can tolerate low to medium water conditions, consistent moisture will support the best growth. It is also known for its resistance to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. The fruit, a paired samara 2–3 cm long with rounded nutlets, adds to its decorative qualities.CC BY-SA 4.0