Japanese Maple 'Sazanami': Rippled Beauty

Overview

Acer palmatum 'Sazanami' is a Japanese maple cultivar whose name means "ripple" or "wavelet" in Japanese, suggesting a delicate, undulating leaf texture.

Key Characteristics

• Family: Sapindaceae
• Genus: Acer
• Species: palmatum
• Cultivar: Sazanami

Leaf Texture

The leaves are deeply lobed with a slightly curled or rippled margin, creating a subtle texture. They are green in summer, turning yellow-orange-red in fall. The tree has an upright, spreading habit, reaching 12–15 feet.

Garden Appeal

The rippled leaf edges catch the light beautifully. A refined choice for a Japanese-style garden or a specimen in a mixed border. The name adds poetic charm.