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Japanese Maple: Classic Green Foliage and Superb Fall Color

Japanese Maple

The quintessential small ornamental tree with artistically branched stems forming a rounded crown. Deeply lobed, light green leaves turn lovely shades in autumn. A timeless choice for gardens, patios, and Asian-inspired landscapes. Deciduous.

Growing Specifications

Light: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Water: Moderate
Height: 15–35 feet
Spread: 20–35 feet

Photo credit: Doreen Wynja

Tree: Growing Japanese Maple Seedlings: Sun Tolerance and Soil Prep; Yellow Flowering Maple: Year-Round Bright Yellow Blooms on a Mounding Shrub; Japanese Maple 'Aoyagi': Pea-Green Winter Bark and Yellow Fall Color; Japanese Maple 'Butterfly': Variegated Leaves with Pink and Scarlet Tones; Japanese Maple 'Coral Bark': Brilliant Winter Bark and Golden Fall Foliage; Japanese Maple 'Osakazuki': Brilliant Crimson Fall Color That Lasts; Japanese Maple 'Oshio-Beni': Arching Form with Red-Orange Lacy Leaves; Japanese Maple 'Shishigashira': Curled Leaves and Compact Shrubby Form; Japanese Maple 'Trompenburg': Dragon Paw Leaves, Red to Crimson; Japanese Maple Leaf Wilt After Cold Snap: Sunscald Risk

Garden Articles

Finding and Germinating Japanese Maple Seeds

Why Propagating Japanese Maples at Home Isn't Practical

Japanese Maple Freeze Damage: Spring and Fall Fertilizing

Anemone Japanese 'Andrea Atkinson': Semi-Double White for Woodlands

Super Red® Flowering Maple: Bright Red Bell Flowers for Containers

Japanese Maple 'Crimson Queen': Weeping Dwarf with Rich Crimson Foliage

Japanese Maple 'Ever Red': Weeping Dwarf with Persistent Deep Red Foliage

Plants

Yellow Fungus on Japanese Maple Branches: Likely Wood Rot, Not Surface Fungus

Japanese Maple Bonsai: Prized Ornamental Trees for Patient Artists

Tuscan Sun Rose: Bronzed Buds Opening to Coppery Apricot Blooms

Japanese Maple 'Emperor': Improved Cold Hardiness and Scarlet Fall Color

Japanese Maples: Autumn Fireworks for Mild Climates

Japanese Maple Pruning: Why Thinning Beats Severe Reduction

Propagating Japanese Maple: Grafting for True‑to‑Type Trees