Deciduous And Flowering Trees
Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
Japanese maple brings fine branching, hand-shaped leaves, and changing autumn color to the garden. This species listing covers varied forms rather than one named cultivar, so choose the individual tree for its leaf color and branching pattern. Typical plants eventually reach about 10–25 feet tall and wide, making them useful specimens or woodland-edge trees. In Southwest Washington, protect the foliage from drying wind and harsh afternoon heat. Organic, well-drained soil should remain evenly moist through summer without becoming waterlogged. Allow the canopy to develop naturally, mulch the root area, and use only the pruning needed to maintain sound structure.
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At a glance
- Mature height
- 10–25 ft
- Mature spread
- 10–25 ft
- Light
- Sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 5–8
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Works well as a specimen, along a broad walkway, or at a woodland edge. Choose the individual tree for its branching pattern, since the species includes a range of forms.
Where to plant
Allow roughly 10–25 feet for height and spread. Protect the crown from drying wind and reflected heat, with dappled or afternoon shade where summer exposure is strong.
Through the seasons
Leaf and autumn colors depend on the individual tree. The small flowers appear in spring, followed later by winged seeds.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Japanese maples grow well in suitable Northwest gardens, but dry summers still require attention to watering. Exposed sites can scorch the leaves even where winters are mild.
Soil, drainage & water
Prefers slightly acidic, organic soil that stays evenly moist and drains freely. Water during dry periods and check drainage if the ground remains wet around the roots.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Keep pruning minimal and mulch the root area. If structural work is needed, make cuts in dry weather during dormancy, generally from late fall to midwinter.
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.
Leaf scorch
Leaf tips or margins may brown after hot, dry, or windy weather.
Help your plant thrive
Assess how quickly the soil dries and how exposed the tree is. Water evenly through dry spells, mulch the roots, and provide afternoon shelter where needed.
Leaf and twig disease
Spotted leaves, darkened veins, or dying shoots can occur with maple leaf diseases.
Help your plant thrive
Avoid unnecessary wounds and repeated foliage wetting. Remove infected debris and seek a diagnosis if leaf damage or dieback continues.
A little more inspiration
Keep exploring.
Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira', 1 - geograph.org.uk - 6785425.jpg
CC BY-SA 2.0 · Web-optimized
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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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.
Explore this plantCrimson Queen Japanese maple
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Crimson Queen'
Deep red laceleaf foliage covers a broad, cascading framework, giving 'Crimson Queen' a low, rounded silhouette and a colorful presence in sheltered garden beds.
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