What hardiness zones is Acer palmatum suitable for?

Acer palmatum is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5, 6, 7, 8.

What are the sun requirements for Acer palmatum?

Acer palmatum requires Part Sun.

How much water does Acer palmatum need?

Acer palmatum has Medium water needs.

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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Acer palmatum

Japanese maple

SapindaceaeJapan, Korea, eastern China

At a Glance

TypeTree

HabitSpreading

FoliageDeciduous

Height15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m)

Width15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m)

Maturity12 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 8

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Acer palmatum is a deciduous tree or large shrub typically reaching 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) tall and 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) wide, though size varies considerably among the hundreds of named cultivars. The species form has a rounded to vase-shaped crown with layered, horizontal branching. Leaves are palmate with 5–7 (occasionally 9) pointed, serrated lobes, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) across, emerging green to red-green in spring depending on the individual, turning yellow, orange, or red in fall. Small red-purple flowers appear in spring in small drooping clusters before or concurrent with leaf emergence. Paired samaras, 0.5–1 inch (1.5–2.5 cm) long, ripen July through October. Bark is smooth and gray-green on young stems; gray and finely furrowed with age. Growth rate is slow to moderate, typically 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) per year. In zones 5–6, late spring frosts can damage newly emerged foliage. Leaf scorch occurs on foliage exposed to intense afternoon sun combined with drought stress, particularly in zones 7 and warmer.

Native Range

Native to Japan, Korea, and eastern China. Found in mountain forests, forest margins, and stream banks, typically growing as an understory tree at elevations from near sea level to 4,900 feet (1,500 m).

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen tree in mixed borders, woodland gardens, and residential landscapes. Commonly used in Japanese-style gardens. Suitable for containers of at least 25 gallons (95 L); containerized specimens require more frequent watering and winter protection in zones 5–6. Allow 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) horizontal clearance at planting for the species; cultivar sizes vary widely.

How to Identify

Identified by opposite, palmate leaves with 5–7 pointed, sharply serrated lobes, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) across. Twigs are slender, smooth, and green to red-green with opposite branching. Small paired samaras 0.5–1 inch (1.5–2.5 cm) long are produced in fall. The layered horizontal branch structure is characteristic. Leaf color and form vary greatly by cultivar; the species type has green foliage.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 25'

Width/Spread15' - 25'

Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

purple

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

orange

red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Blooms March through April, with small red-purple flowers in pendulous clusters 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long appearing before or with leaf emergence. Individual flowers are 0.1–0.2 inch (3–5 mm); the display lasts 2–3 weeks. Flowers are not ornamentally prominent. Samaras mature and disperse July through October.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

red-purple

Foliage Description

green in summer; yellow, orange, or red in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 6.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsandsilt

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-15 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water weekly during the first 1–2 growing seasons; established trees tolerate moderate drought but develop leaf scorch when exposed to afternoon sun combined with dry soil. Apply 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) of mulch from the drip line inward, keeping mulch 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) from the trunk to reduce moisture stress and moderate root zone temperature. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote soft growth susceptible to late frost damage; use a balanced slow-release formulation in early spring if growth is poor. Verticillium wilt can cause sudden branch dieback; no cure exists — remove affected branches and avoid wounding roots. Scale insects and aphids occur occasionally; treat with horticultural oil in dormancy if populations are heavy.

Pruning

Prune during dormancy (November through January) or in summer (July–August) to minimize sap bleeding and reduce the risk of Verticillium entry through fresh cuts. Remove dead, crossing, or inward-growing branches. Japanese maples develop attractive natural structure with minimal intervention; heavy pruning disrupts the layered branching pattern. Avoid removing more than 20% of the canopy in a single season. Rejuvenate badly pruned or damaged specimens over 3–4 years rather than all at once.

Pruning Schedule

wintersummer

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 25 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic