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Japanese Maple 'Hessei' (Syn. Atropurpureum Lacinatum)

The Japanese Maple 'Hessei' (Acer palmatum 'Hessei') is a classic cultivar with a complex synonymy, also known as 'Atropurpureum Lacinatum', 'Elegans Atropurpureum', 'Elegans Purpureum', and 'Lacinatum Purpureum'. It belongs to the linearilobum/dissectum group, featuring deeply divided, narrow lobes that give a lacy, elegant appearance.

Foliage emerges with purple-red tones in spring, maturing to bronzy-green in summer, and often turning vivid crimson in autumn. The plant forms a small, spreading tree with a graceful, somewhat weeping habit. Its intricate foliage and seasonal color changes make it a prized specimen for collectors and Japanese-style gardens.

It appreciates dappled shade and consistent moisture to prevent leaf scorch on the delicate lobes.

Family:	Sapindaceae
Genus:	Acer
Species:	palmatum
Cultivar:	Hessei
Additional cultivar information:	(aka Atropurpureum Lacinatum, Elegans Atropurpureum, Elegans Purpureum, Lacinatum Purpureum)

Japanese Maples: Japanese Maple 'Butterfly': Variegated Foliage Resembling Fluttering Wings; Japanese Maple 'Shishigashira': The Lion's Head with Curled, Crinkled Foliage; Japanese Maple 'Nicholsonii': Deeply Cut Purple-Red, Also Atrodissectum; Japanese Maple 'Nuresagi': Wet Heron with Dark Purple-Red Foliage; Japanese Maple 'Okushimo': Upright Green with Crinkled Leaves, Also Crispum; Japanese Maple 'Seicha': Green Tea Variegation, Also Aocha Nishiki; Japanese Maple 'Shindeshojo': Brilliant Spring Scarlet, Also Shin deshojo; Japanese Maple 'Matsuyoi': Evening Twilight with Variegated Foliage; Japanese Maple 'Trompenburg': Upright Red with Rolled Leaf Margins; Japanese Maple 'Kasagiyama': Kasagi Mountain with Variegated Foliage

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