18 Types Of Japanese Maples With Different Shapes And Colors
Japanese maples have long been a staple in residential landscaping, but few realize the incredible diversity within this popular plant group. In fact, there are numerous species and cultivated varieties to choose from, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. As we explore the various types of Japanese maples in this article, you’ll discover which one is best suited for your garden and landscape design needs.
Key Takeaways
One of the defining characteristics of Japanese maple trees is their close genetic relationship to one another. This familial connection results in a set of shared traits that unify the group as a whole. As you read through our list of top Japanese maple tree varieties, you’ll likely notice these commonalities. To give you a head start, here’s a brief overview of the five key takeaways from the article ahead.
Notably, Japanese maples are comprised of main species such as Acer palmatum, Acer japonicum, and Acer shirasawanum, with numerous cultivars emerging from these natural varieties. The trees’ foliage often showcases vibrant colors throughout the growing season, while their compact size means they typically remain small. A notable exception is the lack of ornamental flowers, which are relatively rare in Japanese maple species.
18 Inspiring Types of Japanese Maples that Are Perfect for Any Garden
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
At the heart of this roundup of exceptional Japanese maple tree varieties lies Acer palmatum, the original and most iconic species. Native to East Asia, this natural wonder boasts leaves that embody the quintessential characteristics of a Japanese maple: shape and color. As the parent species to many of its cultivar counterparts, Acer palmatum remains an enduring favorite among gardeners due to its stunning appeal.
While it may be eclipsed by some of the more showy cultivars on this list, Acer palmatum’s timeless charm ensures its continued popularity as a sought-after planting choice.
Aconitifolium Japanese Maple (Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’)
The Aconitifolium Japanese maple is a unique variety among its peers, boasting multiple names such as Fernleaf Japanese maple, Full Moon Japanese maple, and its scientific name Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’. While this multiplicity may lead to confusion, getting familiar with the Aconitifolium Japanese maple is worth the effort.
This compact tree takes on a dwarf shape, featuring a rounded shrub-like form, while its leaves boast an unusual silhouette that sets it apart from other Japanese maple cultivars.
Beni Kawa Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Beni-kawa’)
Japanese maple trees are often associated with vibrant red foliage, but this isn’t always the case. Take the Beni Kawa variety, for instance. This tree’s leaves start out a typical leafy green, gradually lightening as the growing season progresses. By summer’s end, they’ll have transformed into a warm golden hue that will eventually turn entirely golden in the fall before falling to the ground.
Bloodgood Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum atropurpureum ‘Bloodgood’)
The Bloodgood Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’) is one of the most widely cultivated varieties globally, thanks to its striking ornamental features. Standing at around 20 feet tall with a slender, multi-stemmed habit, this small tree boasts a unique charm. Its foliage maintains an intense dark red color throughout spring, summer, and fall, earning it its common name.
Notably, the Bloodgood Japanese Maple is adaptable to hardiness zones 5-9, making it relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for in most environments.
Butterfly Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Butterfly’)
The Butterfly Japanese maple tree’s unique appearance is characterized by a whimsical flair, which is aptly reflected in its foliage. Unlike many other Japanese maples, this variety does not boast vibrant red hues, instead featuring leaves that are its crowning glory. The leaves of the Butterfly Japanese maple exhibit an intriguing range of colors, transitioning from light green to a creamy silvery hue.
Notably, each leaf displays small, pointed lobes that sometimes curl upward, adding depth and texture to the overall canopy. This subtle yet captivating display makes the Butterfly Japanese maple tree’s foliage its most striking feature.
Coral Bark Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’)
Japanese maple trees have won over many hearts with their stunning foliage and overall aesthetic appeal. But what often gets overlooked is the extraordinary bark of some varieties, such as the coral bark Japanese maple. This exceptional specimen boasts vibrant red stems and branches that remain eye-catching even during the bleak winter months. The leaves themselves are not to be ignored either, showcasing a delightful combination of light green hues with striking red accents.
Crimson Queen Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Crimson Queen’)
The Crimson Queen Japanese Maple stands out from the rest with its undeniable charm. Its dwarf nature means it can thrive in even the most space-constrained garden areas, reaching a maximum height of 10 feet – a rare occurrence indeed. But what truly sets this cultivar apart is its striking weeping growth habit and intricately textured leaves that resemble lace.
The visual appeal of this compact plant is undeniable, making it an attractive choice for any gardener seeking to add a touch of elegance to their outdoor space.
Emperor 1 Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Wolff’)
The Emperor 1 Japanese maple tree is a moderately-sized variety that thrives in diverse growing environments. One of its most striking features is its vibrant red foliage, which emerges in the spring and remains a stunning sight throughout the seasons. What’s more, the leaves display an intriguing contrast between their bright red upper surfaces and light green undersides.
This unique characteristic sets the Emperor 1 apart from other Japanese maple varieties, making it a compelling choice for gardeners seeking to add visual interest to their outdoor spaces. The tree’s upright vase shape also ensures that its beauty is equally impressive when viewed from close proximity or afar.
Filigree Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Filigree’)
The Filigree Japanese Maple Tree’s unique charm stems from its elegant weeping habit and stunning foliage. Reaching maturity at around five feet tall, this cultivar boasts a matching spread, creating a lush canopy. Its intricate leaflets impart a delicate texture, while their light green hue during spring and summer distinguishes them from those of other Japanese maples. As the seasons transition, these leaves transform into a warm, golden orange color just before the onset of winter’s chill.
First Ghost Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘First Ghost’)
The Japanese maple variety we’re about to reveal holds the crown for its breathtaking foliage. Its ghostly hue is characterized by long, wavy lobes that resemble fingers. Each leaf boasts an intriguing mix of light-yellow and wine-colored tints, with dark green veins adding depth to the overall color scheme. The subtle variations in shading create a mesmerizing display that will leave you in awe.
Garnet Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Garnet’)
The garnet Japanese maple’s captivating allure stems from its distinctive blend of vibrancy and growth habit. This diminutive tree defies convention by marrying an upright stem and branching habit with a canopy that appears to weep in a delicate, pendulous manner. The true pièce de résistance, however, lies in the foliage itself – thin, lacy, and remarkably vibrant, even by comparison to other varieties boasting lace-like leaves.
When combined, this unique growth habit and leaf color create a visual focal point, making the garnet Japanese maple an irresistible choice for garden enthusiasts.
Golden Full Moon Japanese Maple (Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’)
The Golden Full Moon Japanese Maple tree deviates from the typical options listed due to its unique origin. Unlike others on this list, it’s not derived from Acer palmatum or Acer japonicum species, but rather is a cultivar of Acer shirasawanum. A distinguishing feature of this cultivar is the more rounded leaf shape compared to other Japanese maples. The leaves lack the deep lobes and sinuses characteristic of other species, making them easier to identify.
For most of the year, the leaves remain light green in hue, but as autumn unfolds, they gradually transform into a striking golden orange, setting it apart from its peers.
Green Cascade Japanese Maple (Acer japonicum ‘Green Cascade’)
In stark contrast to its predecessors, the green cascade Japanese maple boasts some of the most intricate leaf structures you’ll encounter. Each leaf is adorned with numerous feathery lobes, their slender forms featuring irregular, occasionally jagged, margins. This unique foliage design sets it apart from other Japanese maples that maintain a vibrant green hue during the growing season.
Moreover, the green cascade maple’s fall color display is nothing short of spectacular, showcasing a deep red hue that adds an extra layer of visual appeal to its already striking appearance.
Laceleaf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum dissectum)
From our earlier discussion of primary Japanese maple varieties, we touched on Acer palmatum as the foundation for many cultivars and subgroups. One notable example is Acer palmatum dissectum, also known by its common name laceleaf Japanese maple or other variants. This dwarf species boasts leaves with deeply cut edges that create a delicate, lacy appearance.
Notably, laceleaf Japanese maples tend to exhibit a multi-stemmed growth habit and remain compact in size due to their natural dwarfing tendency.
Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Peaches and Cream’)
While the peaches and cream Japanese maple tree may be one of the less common varieties, its unique characteristics make it a standout. Its leaves have a soft peach hue, which is only part of its appeal. The tree’s growth habit is also noteworthy, featuring multiple main stems that radiate outward to form a stunning canopy. This striking feature sets it apart from other Japanese maple trees and makes the peaches and cream variety well worth seeking out.
Red Dragon Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Red Dragon’)
One of the most striking features of Japanese maple trees is their ability to display a range of colors throughout the growing season. While many varieties exhibit this characteristic, they typically transition from lighter hues to darker tones as the seasons progress. The red dragon Japanese maple tree stands out by bucking this trend. Its leaves begin with a deep, almost purplish red color that gradually shifts to a bright, vibrant red towards the end of the growing season.
This striking foliage is complemented by the tree’s lace-like leaf structure and its distinctive weeping habit, which causes branches to droop elegantly from above.
Tamukeyama Dwarf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Tamukeyama’)
The Tamukeyama dwarf Japanese maple stands out among its peers, boasting an impressive amalgamation of the most sought-after characteristics in Japanese maples. Its leaves, for instance, are a masterclass in delicacy, boasting intricate lace-like patterns, deep reddish-purple hues, and an extraordinary level of vibrancy. The tree’s canopy is equally alluring, featuring a broad and weeping shape that adds to its visual appeal.
What’s more, the Tamukeyama dwarf Japanese maple is remarkably easy to cultivate, reaching a moderate size without requiring excessive maintenance or care.
Vitifolium Japanese Maple (Acer japonicum ‘Vitifolium’)
The Vitifolium Japanese maple’s size can be ambiguous, with some considering it a small tree and others a large shrub. Reaching heights of around ten feet, this plant exhibits a rounded shape and unique, rounded leaves that maintain their beauty throughout the year. However, to prevent leaf discoloration, it is essential to choose a location with partial shade or dappled light, especially in regions with extreme heat.
As there are numerous Japanese maple varieties, understanding these trees requires more than just browsing our list of top picks. While this guide provides a solid starting point, becoming an expert will require further exploration. To facilitate your journey, we’ve compiled concise answers to the most frequently asked questions about Japanese maples.
Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Maples
Are There Different Types of Japanese Maples?
While there’s a wide range of Japanese maple tree varieties, some stand out as being more prevalent than others. Among the most common species are Acer palmatum, Acer japonicum, and Acer shirasawanum, with Acer palmatum being the most widely found. Moreover, the natural beauty of these trees has inspired horticulturists to develop numerous cultivars, each boasting unique characteristics such as size, growth pattern, coloration, and more.
It’s crucial to grasp the diversity of Japanese maples before selecting one for your yard, ensuring you find a tree that perfectly complements your outdoor space.
What is the Most Beautiful Japanese Maple Variety?
The beauty of Japanese maples lies in their diversity, much like any plant group. While opinions may vary on which variety reigns supreme, individual preferences can be influenced by factors such as texture, size, or the duration of red foliage. For instance, those who prize intricate, lace-like leaves might favor cultivars within the Laceleaf Japanese Maple family. In contrast, those seeking smaller trees could opt for dwarf varieties that offer a more compact growth habit.
Meanwhile, enthusiasts of prolonged red leaf displays may prioritize varieties that showcase this trait prominently. Ultimately, the most beautiful Japanese maple is a matter of personal taste, with numerous options available to cater to individual preferences.
What is the Most Popular Japanese Maple Tree?
Japanese maple trees offer a diverse range of cultivars, with many species enjoying widespread popularity in their natural form. The Bloodgood Japanese maple stands out for its striking foliage, which transitions from deep purple to light green hues depending on the season. Similarly, varieties like the Emperor I and Crimson Queen Japanese maples are highly sought after due to their unique characteristics.
Across these cultivars, the leaves remain a key draw, showcasing vibrant colors that captivate garden enthusiasts.
Which Japanese Maple is Always Red?
What sets Japanese maple trees apart is their striking foliage, which maintains a reddish hue throughout much of the growing season. This unique characteristic can be attributed to the distinct pigmentation found in these plants’ leaves. Unlike many other plant species, Japanese maples have lower levels of chlorophyll, the pigment that typically gives leaves their green color.
As a result, the leaves of Japanese maple trees retain their reddish hue, making them a standout feature of these beautiful trees.
Why is My Japanese Maple Green and Not Red?
When a Japanese maple tree fails to retain its characteristic red hue and turns green instead, it’s not always due to an underlying disease or issue. It’s possible that your tree simply belongs to a variety that exhibits variable leaf coloration. For instance, many Japanese maples will display a lighter, more greenish tint during the hottest and most sun-intensive periods of the year.
To accurately diagnose any potential problems with your tree, it’s essential to observe its behavior over time to rule out this possibility.
18 Elegant Types of Japanese Maples that Have Lovely Leaves
While exploring the world of Japanese maple trees, you may be surprised to discover a vast array of species and cultivars to consider. Each variety boasts its own distinct characteristics, often sharing similarities with others while showcasing a few key differences. As you delve into these unique traits, you’ll uncover the perfect Japanese maple tree for your needs.