Smithsonian Gardens

Common name: Japanese Maple, Japanese Threadleaf Maple, Laceleaf Maple

Family: Sapindaceae (Soapberry)

Synonym: Acer palmatum var. dissectum, Acer palmatum var. dissectum var. atropurpureum

Distribution: Japan; S. Korea; Taiwan; E. China

Habitat: Temperate forests between 100-1100 meters.

Hardiness: -20 - 20 F

Life form: Deciduous tree

Structure: Rounded to broad-rounded

Foliage characteristics: 5, 7, or 9 lobed palmate leaves, 2" to 5" long, arranged oppositely.

Fall color: Yellow, orange, red, or purple

Bloom Time: May

Bloom characteristics: Red or purple

Fruit characteristics: Samaras .5" to .75" long, reddish to green

Bark characteristics: Gray main, twigs shiny green and red

Description: Acer palmatum, commonly known as Japanese Maple, is a widely known ornamental tree with hundreds of cultivars. Both its Latin name and Japanese name (momiji) refer to the hand-like appearance of the tree’s five, seven, or nine pointed leaves. This tree commonly grows from 10 to 25 feet tall, but can also reach 40 feet in height - though it is also a popular choice as a bonsai tree. Currently, red varieties of this tree are most popular.