Japanese maple

plant

Also known as: Acer palmatum

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

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The Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is a type of maple tree native to Japan, China, and Korea. It is widely cultivated as a shrub or small tree, known for its purple flowers and deeply divided leaves. Maples, in general, are a large genus of trees and shrubs found primarily in China, valued for their ornamental qualities, striking autumn colors, and sometimes for maple syrup or wood. The Japanese maple, in particular, has been developed over centuries to offer numerous varieties with diverse leaf shapes and colors, making them suitable for small gardens.12

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maple
The Japanese maple (A. palmatum), developed over centuries of breeding, provides numerous attractive cultivated varieties with varying leaf shapes and colours, many useful in small gardens. The vine maple (A. circinatum), of wide-spreading, shrubby habit, has purple and white spring flowers and brilliant fall foliage. The…
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The Japanese maple (A. palmatum), developed over centuries of breeding, provides numerous attractive cultivated varieties with varying leaf shapes and colours, many useful in small gardens. The vine maple (A. circinatum), of wide-spreading, shrubby habit, has purple and white spring flowers and brilliant fall foliage. The…
Read More