IntroducedDeciduousTypical height 2–8 m; cultivar dependent

Japanese maple

Acer palmatum

A graceful garden maple with delicate leaves; named varieties vary widely in shape and colour.

THROUGH THE YEAR

Japanese maple through the seasons

Japanese maple: summer form — **Summer**
Fine-textured, layered canopy; upright or weeping forms occur.

Japanese maple: autumn form — **Autumn**
Often scarlet, orange or gold, depending on variety.

Japanese maple: winter form — **Winter**
Delicate branching makes an intricate bare silhouette.

Typical open-grown form. Leaf fall varies with weather and location; young or clipped trees may retain dead leaves. Pruned, sheltered and young trees can look different.

LOOK A LITTLE CLOSER

How to identify japanese maple

Leaves & needles

Usually five to seven deeply cut, pointed lobes; some cultivars have finely dissected leaves.

Bark

Usually smooth grey-green or brown; some cultivars have brightly coloured young bark.

Twigs

Fine, opposite-branched twigs, often red or green.

Buds

Small, opposite, pointed buds; colour varies, often reddish.

Flowers & pollen

Small reddish-purple flowers hang in delicate clusters in spring.

Fruit, seeds & cones

Small paired winged seeds; their colour and wing angle vary between cultivars.

Images show typical features and are not to scale. Confirm several features using the reference sources below.

CARE WITH PURPOSE

Caring for japanese maple

Help it thrive

Shelter from drying wind and fierce sun. Keep acid to neutral, well-drained soil evenly moist; container plants need particular attention in hot weather.

Pruning advice

Usually needs little pruning. Remove only small dead, rubbing or badly placed shoots, preserving its natural layers.

When can it be pruned?

After leaf fall, preferably November–December

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Highlighted months are an indicative window for the work described, not a reason to prune every year. An unshaded month is not an absolute ban.

Timing must suit the tree's health, weather, wildlife and legal protection. Avoid severe frost, drought and vulnerable new leaf growth. Mature trees, major branches and suspected defects need professional assessment.

Explore our professional tree pruning service →

Tree health: what to watch for

Leaf scorch can reflect wind, sun or water stress rather than infection.

Compare common tree pests, diseases and warning signs →

Identification & care references

Guide researched November 2026. Identification remains provisional until several features agree. UK native means native in some part of the UK, not necessarily your area.

Before work in England, check tree preservation orders, conservation-area restrictions and wildlife protection. Official tree protection guidance ↗