1. Japanese Maple Acer palmatum Habitat – native to Japan, China, Korea – zone 5 for many, while other selections are only reliable to zone 6 or warmer – an understory tree in its natural setting Habit and Form – small deciduous tree 15' to 25' – shape can be rounded to irregular – habit and form is variable since most cultivated plants are various cultivars – texture fine to medium – growth rate is slow

2. Japanese Maple Acer palmatum Summer Foliage – opposite, 2" to 5" long, medium green color – 5, 7 or 9 lance-shaped lobes, palmately arranged – excellent quality summer foliage Autumn Foliage – turning yellow, orange, red or purple – dependable for fall coloration – color develops late and leaves hold well

3. Japanese Maple Acer palmatum Flowers – small, red or purple, in May and June Fruit – samaras 0.5" to 0.75" long – generally reddish tinged green, but some are just green

4. Japanese Maple Acer palmatum Bark – twigs have green and red, polished, shiny bark that is showy – trunk and main branch bark is gray – stem and bark color is a valuable ornamental feature Culture – Full sun to partial shade is best; shade tolerant – moist, slightly acidic, well- drained, high organic matter soil is ideal – often stated to be delicate plants, but probably more adaptable than given credit for – dislikes hot, dry locations – avoid windswept winter locations