Japanese maple - Acer palmatum (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Japanese maple

Also known as: Palmate maple

A woody plant native to East Asia, the japanese maple features hand-shaped leaves with five-pointed lobes that resemble the palm of a hand. It has been cultivated for millennia in Japan for bonsai creation. Extracts from the branches and leaves of this plant are used as medicine in Chinese traditional medicine.

Scientific classification

Species

Japanese maple (Acer palmatum)

Maples, mangos, mahogany, citrus, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree, Shrub

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

4 m to 15 m

Plant Height

6 m

Spread

Green, Red, Orange, Yellow, Variegated, Gold, Purple, Brown

Leaf Color

6 mm to 8 mm

Flower Size

Red, Brown, Green

Fruit Color

Red, Purple

Flower Color

Green, Red, Orange

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Japanese maple

Distribution of Japanese maple

Distribution Map

Japanese maple is native to Japan and Korea, where it can be found growing in the understory of forests. It is a popular ornamental throughout the world. Having escaped cultivation, it is now listed as invasive in the eastern United States.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Woods, thickets, lowland, mountains

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Environmental Protection Value

It has strong resistance to sulfur dioxide and smoke and dust, and can purify air.

Garden Use

Japanese maple is a deciduous tree commonly found in gardens. It is prized for its unusual bark and brilliant yellow foliage in fall. Its branching makes it suitable as a shade tree. Japanese maple is appropriate for Japanese-style gardens. Suggested companion plants include Japanese or Cushion Spurge for color contrasts. Alternatively, grow alongside Holly or Azaleas.

Symbolism

Peace, abundant blessings, gain through perseverance, harmony, beauty

Interesting Facts

Japanese red maple leaves are rich in color and every color gives a different feeling. In spring, the Japanese red maple leaves are yellow with a little green, giving a comfortable and warm feeling; in summer, the leaves are a darker green, which provides people with shade; in autumn, the color of the leaves is the most beautiful and bright red color our eyes can catch at a glance.

Name Story

Japanese maple: This kind of maple tree originated from northeast Asia. The Japanese horticultural communities have selectively bred it for centuries and cultivated more than 1000 gardening species. Therefore, they are often called the Japanese maple.

Palmate maple: Compared with other maple trees, this particular maple tree has deeper lobes which is similar to the typical "palmate" shape. Hence, it is also called a palmate maple.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Japanese maple, including the following common varieties :

Japanese maple 'Deshojo'Japanese maple 'Sonkootgre'Japanese maple 'Orange Dream'Japanese maple 'Chitoseyama'Japanese maple 'Wilson's Pink Dwarf'Japanese maple 'Red Pygmy'Japanese maple 'Atrolineare'Japanese maple 'Red Dragon'Japanese maple 'Skeeter's Broom'Japanese maple 'Seiryu'Japanese maple 'Winter Flame'Japanese maple 'Burgundy Lace'Japanese maple 'Butterfly'Japanese maple 'Bloodgood'Japanese maple 'Inaba'Japanese maple 'Korean Gem'Japanese maple 'Chiyo'Japanese maple 'Eddisbury'Japanese maple 'Orangeola'Japanese maple 'Kinran'Japanese maple 'Chitose'Japanese maple 'Sango'Japanese maple 'Beni'Japanese maple 'Erythrocladum'Japanese maple 'Extravaganza'Japanese maple 'Tsuma'Japanese maple 'Inaba'Japanese maple 'Osakazuki'Japanese maple 'Yasemin'Japanese maple 'Crimson Queen'Japanese maple 'Ornatum'Japanese maple 'Trompenburg'Red Leaf Japanese Maple Japanese maple 'Elegans'Laceleaf Japanese maple Japanese maple 'Katsura'Japanese maple 'Shaina'Japanese maple 'Dissectum Atropurpureum'Japanese maple 'Emperor I'Japanese maple 'Taylor'Japanese maple 'Arakawa'Japanese maple 'Crimson Queen'Japanese maple 'Garnet'Japanese maple 'Geisha Gone Wild'Japanese maple 'Emerald Lace'Japanese maple 'Ukigumo'

Quickly Identify Japanese maple

Serrated palmate leaves with 5-9 lobes

Flowers red-purple, 0.2-0.4 inches (5-10 mm) wide

Distinct dual-winged samaras that split into two

Opposite leaves, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) with smooth texture

Slender stem varying from green to red, double terminal buds

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Care Guide for Japanese maple

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from regions with moderate humidity, japanese maple requires balanced moisture and well-draining conditions. Water japanese maple every 1-2 weeks, adjusting for seasonal temperature and daylight changes, ensuring soil moisture is maintained without waterlogging during the growing season.

Fertilize: Fertilizing japanese maple boosts growth and foliage. Use balanced fertilizer in spring and autumn, high-nitrogen in spring. Apply monthly during growth, sparingly in fall. Fertilize at the drip line, not near the trunk. Young japanese maple need frequent feeding; established ones less. Water before and after fertilizing.

Pruning: Japanese maple thrives with early spring pruning, focusing on thinning crowded branches and removing dead wood to boost air circulation and health. Light pruning enhances sunlight exposure and reduces disease risk, preserving the plant's natural shape and vitality while avoiding stress from heavy cutting.

Propagation: Japanese maple can be propagated via cuttings. Use a healthy stem cutting with leaf nodes, ensuring tools are clean. Dip the stem base in rooting hormone, plant in well-draining moist soil, and provide indirect light and humidity to support growth.

Repotting: Repot japanese maple every 2-3 years in early spring to reduce stress. Choose a slightly larger container and use well-draining soil. Water consistently and protect from strong winds to help japanese maple thrive post-repotting.

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Images of Japanese maple

Distribution of Japanese maple

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Japanese maple

Care Guide for Japanese maple

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