Deciduous And Flowering Trees
Butterfly Japanese maple
Acer palmatum 'Butterfly'
Butterfly Japanese maple is a slow-growing, upright deciduous shrub or small tree with irregular cream-to-white leaf margins. New spring foliage often carries pink tones, then settles into green and white through summer. With age, this cultivar may reach about 8 to 15 feet tall; its mature spread is generally about 3 to 5 feet. Allow for that eventual height when placing a young plant near structures or other trees. A sheltered spot with partial or dappled shade suits its foliage. Plant in moist, well-drained soil, and water during dry summer periods to maintain even moisture and reduce leaf scorch.
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At a glance
- Mature height
- About 8–15 ft with age
- Mature spread
- About 3–5 ft
- Light
- Partial or dappled shade
- Hardiness
- USDA zone not established for this cultivar
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
The upright form brings variegated foliage to a sheltered garden position. Allow for its eventual height even while the tree is young.
Where to plant
Choose partial or dappled shade and shelter from drying wind. Leave room for a tree that may reach about 8 to 15 feet tall with age.
Through the seasons
Spring leaves often have pink-tinted, cream-to-white margins. Through summer, the foliage is predominantly green and white.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Maple anthracnose, aphids, and bacterial leaf spot can occur on maples in the region. Watch for leaf spotting, distorted growth, or twig dieback.
Soil, drainage & water
Plant in moist, well-drained soil. Maintain even moisture, especially during dry summer periods.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Water during dry summer periods to keep the soil evenly moist. Protect the tree from drying wind.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Maple anthracnose
Brown leaf spots or blotches, early leaf drop, and sometimes twig dieback.
Help your plant thrive
Rake up fallen leaves and remove infected twigs during dormancy.
Maple aphids
Aphids on leaves, sticky honeydew, and curled or distorted growth.
Help your plant thrive
Wash off small infestations with water and avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer.
Bacterial leaf spot and dieback
Water-soaked leaf spots, blackened veins, and dying shoots or twigs.
Help your plant thrive
Remove affected twigs and fallen leaves. Avoid overhead watering and prune in dry weather.
A little more inspiration
Keep exploring.
Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira', 1 - geograph.org.uk - 6785425.jpg
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Lion's head Japanese maple
Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'
Crinkled green foliage and an upright, sculptural outline distinguish this slow-growing Japanese maple, with gold, orange, and red autumn color in a sheltered garden.
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Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
A versatile small tree with hand-shaped leaves, varied branching, and colorful autumn foliage; choose each species-grown Japanese maple for its individual form and character.
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Garnet Japanese maple
Acer palmatum 'Garnet'
Finely cut red foliage drapes over a broad, mounded framework, making 'Garnet' a colorful specimen for sheltered patios, garden edges, and generously sized beds.
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