What is a Japanese Maple Tree?
The Japanese maple tree, Latin name Acer palmatum, and also sometimes known as Japanese smooth maple, is native to Japan, China, and Korea. However, there are over 300 different cultivars found growing around the world, prized for their attractive foliage. The woody plant, most commonly found in the understory of shady forests, is generally considered a deciduous shrub, although it can also be a small tree, reaching heights of 20-33 feet (6-10 meters).
The Japanese maple tree, Latin name Acer palmatum, and also sometimes known as Japanese smooth maple, is native to Japan, China, and Korea. However, there are over 300 different cultivars found growing around the world, prized for their attractive foliage. The woody plant, most commonly found in the understory of shady forests, is generally considered a deciduous shrub, although it can also be a small tree, reaching heights of 20-33 feet (6-10 meters). In appearance, the Japanese maple tree is extremely varied, depending on the hybrid or cultivar. Foliage can range in shape from that of a typical maple leaf, to being very deeply cut, as in the “lace leaf” varieties of the plant. In color, the leaves are light green to deep burgundy, and can grow from 1.5-4.7 inches (4-12 centimeters) in length and width. They are also lobed, and exhibit five, seven, or nine pointed lobes per leaf.
