← Back to plants
Japanese Maple

Photos are representative and may not match your specific variety.

Japanese Maple

Shade tree

Acer palmatum

  • Full sun
  • Zones 5–8
  • 60 days to maturity
  • Flowers
  • 180" spacing
  • High water
  • pH 5.5–7
Add to my garden
  • Overview

    The jewel of ornamental shade trees, prized for their delicate palmate leaves and stunning seasonal color changes from spring through fall. Available in countless cultivars with varying leaf shapes, sizes, and colors, Japanese maples bring four-season interest to any landscape. Their refined branching structure and compact size make them perfect for smaller yards where every plant must earn its place.

  • Planting

    Stratify seeds for 120 days or transplant nursery specimens

  • Growing

    Sun: full. Water: high. Soil pH: 5.5–7. Space plants 180" apart. Germination: 30-90 days (seeds need stratification).

  • Pests & diseases

    Common pests: Aphids, scale insects, borers. Common diseases: Verticillium wilt, leaf scorch, anthracnose.