Japanese Maple
ExploreTrees
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
Category
TreesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
4
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
Ability
Helicopter Seeds
Japanese Maples have winged seeds that spin like helicopters, letting the wind carry them far away to find new places to grow.
Ability
Shade Seeker
Japanese Maples can thrive in dappled shade, which helps them survive under taller trees in their native forests.
Ability
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
- Canopy Spread
- 3-8 m
- 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
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
Acer palmatumJapanese Maple Tree
Collections
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 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
How fast does Japanese Maple grow?
Medium
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
Park52 sightings9 species
Washington, US
Be'er Sheva Park
You might spot Garden Spider, Duck, and Fringed Willowherb.
View guide →
Park137 sightings9 species
British Columbia, CA
Nitobe Memorial Garden
You might spot Western Sword Fern, Douglas Fir, and Red Huckleberry.
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Park49 sightings9 species
Washington, US
Washington Park Arboretum
You might spot Duck, Great Blue Heron, and Western Redcedar.
View guide →
Park34 sightings7 species
Washington, US
Mount Baker Park
You might spot Garden Spider, Western Redcedar, and Fringed Willowherb.
View guide →
Park46 sightings6 species
Washington, US
Colman Park
You might spot Western Sword Fern and Bigleaf Maple.
View guide →
Park45 sightings5 species
California, US
Booster Park
You might spot Conifers, Buttercups, and Gourd Family.
View guide →
