Shrub
Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
Features
Many cultivars have beautiful dissected and/or colored foliage; form can also be attractive; small red to purple flowers in May and June.
Culture
Light shade; moist, well-drained soil; protect from late spring frosts.
Cultivars
Numerous; check with local nurseries for availability in your area.
Mature Height
0 Feet
(Varies greatly by cultivar. Can be as small as 6 feet and as large as 50 feet, so careful selection of cultivars is needed to obtain a shrub.)
Size
Small
Medium
Large
Mature Width
0 Feet
(Varies greatly by cultivar)
Mature Form
Rounded to broad rounded; branches often produce a layered effect.
Native To:
Japan, China, Korea
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
Tolerance
Exposure/Light Requirements
Partial Sun/Shade
Uses
Border
Massing
Specimen
Foliage Color
Green
Purple
Red
Variegated
Fall Foliage Color
Orange
Purple
Red
Yellow
Pests and Problems
Environmental Damage
Fungal Disease
Insect Relative Damage
Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:
Challenging to grow in zone 5. Select cultivars not only for small size and ornamental attributes, but also for winter hardiness.
Additional Notes
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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