ExploreTree

Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum

The Japanese Maple is a small tree with beautiful, colorful leaves. It looks stunning in gardens, especially in autumn.

Habitat: Gardens and parks

Appearance

The Japanese Maple has delicate, deeply lobed leaves that come in a stunning array of colors, from vibrant greens to fiery reds, oranges, and deep purples. Its graceful, often multi-trunked form creates a beautiful, spreading canopy, making it visually distinct with its intricate branch structure.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilySapindaceaeGenusAcer

Japanese Maple

Interesting facts

In Japan, some of their leaves are lightly fried in tempura as a crispy, sweet snack!

Japanese Maples are a favorite for bonsai, creating tiny, perfect tree versions for display!

Some Japanese Maples can live for over 100 years, becoming ancient, majestic trees!

There are more than a thousand different kinds, each with unique leaf shapes and colors!

Special abilities

Japanese Maples have winged seeds that spin like helicopters, letting the wind carry them far away to find new places to grow.

Japanese Maples can thrive in dappled shade, which helps them survive under taller trees in their native forests.

Its leaves perform a spectacular color transformation each fall, protecting the tree and preparing for winter.

Measurements & details

Height: 3-9 m
Canopy Spread: 3-8 m
Is Edible: No
Trunk Diameter: 10-50 cm
Lifespan: 50-100 years
Fruit Type: Samara
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Deciduous

Ecological connections

eaten by

Sika Deer

Cervus nippon

Deer browse on its tender leaves and twigs.

shelters

Great Tit

Parus major

Small birds nest among its dense branches.

eaten by

Acer Hawk-moth

Callambulyx tatarinovii

Its caterpillars munch on maple leaves.

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Ornamental

These lovely plants are grown simply because they are so beautiful to look at, adding splashes of color and interesting shapes to any garden or landscape.

Broadleaf Tree

Discover magnificent trees that have wide, flat leaves, unlike the needles of pine trees! These are often the trees that change colors beautifully in autumn.

Fall Color

Witness the breathtaking transformation as leaves change from green to brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold before they fall. It's a spectacular natural art show!