Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
OrnamentalAbout Japanese Maple
Japanese Maple is a premier ornamental tree prized worldwide for its delicate, deeply lobed or dissected foliage and brilliant fall color. Hundreds of cultivars exist, ranging from dwarf mounding forms to upright small trees, with leaf colors from green to deep burgundy and coral-red bark varieties.
Quick Facts
How to Identify Japanese Maple
- Deeply lobed or finely dissected palmate leaves (5-9 lobes)
- Smooth, gray to gray-green bark; some cultivars have coral-red bark
- Small, red-winged samaras in pairs
- Elegant, layered branching architecture
- Spectacular fall color ranging from gold to crimson
Care Guide
- Protect from hot afternoon sun and drying winds to prevent leaf scorch
- Water consistently; these trees do not tolerate drought well
- Prune in late summer or winter to reveal natural branch structure
- Mulch generously but keep mulch away from the trunk
- Avoid heavy fertilization, which can produce leggy growth
Known Issues (3)
Japanese Beetle
MODERATEAn invasive beetle introduced to New Jersey in 1916. Adults skeletonize leaves of over 300 plant species while larvae (grubs) damage turf grass roots. They are particularly damaging to linden, birch, and fruit trees.
Affecting 35 regions
Verticillium Wilt
HIGHA soilborne fungal disease that affects hundreds of plant species including maples, elms, redbuds, and many other trees. The fungus invades through roots and colonizes the vascular system, blocking water transport. Symptoms often appear suddenly on individual branches. Maples are particularly susceptible. Olive-green to brown streaking in the sapwood is diagnostic.
Affecting 27 regions
Tar Spot
LOWA very common and distinctive fungal disease of maple leaves. The raised black spots are dramatic in appearance but the disease is almost entirely cosmetic and does not harm tree health. It is most severe in cool, wet years. The fungus overwinters in fallen leaves.
Affecting 22 regions