# Japanese Maple (*Acer palmatum*) The Japanese Maple is a small tree with beautiful, colorful leaves. It looks stunning in gardens, especially in autumn. - **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 7 - **Habitat:** Gardens and parks - **Also known as:** Acer palmatum, Japanese Maple Tree ![Japanese Maple](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426338/objects/4853.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Sapindales - **Family:** Sapindaceae - **Genus:** Acer ## 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 - **Helicopter Seeds:** Japanese Maples have winged seeds that spin like helicopters, letting the wind carry them far away to find new places to grow. - **Shade Seeker:** Japanese Maples can thrive in dappled shade, which helps them survive under taller trees in their native forests. - **Color Change Artist:** Its leaves perform a spectacular color transformation each fall, protecting the tree and preparing for winter. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 3-9 m - **Spread:** 3-8 m - **Edible:** No - **Size:** 10-50 cm - **Lifespan:** 50-100 years - **Fruit Type:** Samara - **Growth Rate:** Medium - **Leaf Type:** Deciduous ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Sika Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sika-deer) (*Cervus nippon*) — Deer browse on its tender leaves and twigs. - **Shelter:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons. - [Ornamental](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ornamental): Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form. - [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates. - [Fall Color](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fall-color): Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Japanese Maple? Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is Japanese Maple? 3-9 m ### How wide does Japanese Maple spread? 3-8 m ### Is Japanese Maple edible? No ### How big is Japanese Maple? 10-50 cm ### How long does Japanese Maple live? 50-100 years ### Where is Japanese Maple usually found? Gardens and parks ### What kind of fruit does Japanese Maple produce? Samara ## Where to spot - [Cedarmere-Clayton Estates](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cedarmere-clayton-estates) — New York, US · Historic District - [Coker Arboretum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/coker-arboretum-north-carolina) — North Carolina, US · Zoo - [Downtown Seymour Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/downtown-seymour-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [Green Brook Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/green-brook-park) — New Jersey, US · Park - [Be'er Sheva Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/beer-sheva-park) — Washington, US · Park - [Nitobe Memorial Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/nitobe-memorial-garden) — British Columbia, CA · Botanical Garden [View all places to see Japanese Maple](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/japanese-maple) ## More Trees - [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*) - [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*) - [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*) - [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*) --- Source: [Japanese Maple: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/japanese-maple)