Acer palmatum - Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum is a small, slow growing deciduous tree usually found as an understory tree in shady woodlands. The Acer palmatum is native to Japan, Korea and China and was introduced to the UK in the 1800s.

The leaves of the Acer palmatum measure at 4-12cm long and wide, palmately lobed with five to seven acutely pointed lobes.

In the spring the small red flowers appear followed by winged red or green fruits hanging delicately under the leaves.

As autumn returns, the Acer palmatum responds changing the colour of the leaves to amazing fiery bright reds and burnt orange shades.

Acer palmatum can be a magnificent specimen set in the right location and bring interest to a garden all year round.

FACT: Swedish doctor-botanist Carl Peter Thunberg gave the species name ‘palmatum’ after the hand like shape of its leaves.
FACT: The Acer palmatum includes hundreds of names cultiars that offer a variety of forms, colours, sizes and leaf types.