Japanese maple (Acer palmatum, J.A.Murray, Syst. Veg. ed. 14: 911 (1784))

Family: Sapindaceae

Author: Thunb.

Bibliography: J.A.Murray, Syst. Veg. ed. 14: 911 (1784)

Year: 1784

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Acer

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. Korea, C. & S. Japan

Description

The Japanese Maple, known scientifically as Acer palmatum, is a distinctive and highly regarded tree species originating from Southeast Korea, as well as Central and Southern Japan. This visually striking plant, which belongs to the family Sapindaceae, has long been celebrated for its exceptional aesthetic appeal and versatility in gardens and landscapes.

Acer palmatum, first officially documented by Thunberg and cataloged in J.A. Murray’s Systema Vegetabilium in 1784, is renowned for its delicate, palmate leaves that often exhibit a broad spectrum of colors throughout the seasons. The foliage transitions gracefully from vibrant greens in the spring and summer to stunning shades of orange, red, and yellow in the fall, making it a focal point in any landscape design.

This deciduous tree typically reaches heights of 15 to 25 feet, although various cultivars may present diverse growth habits, ranging from dwarfed varieties to more robust forms. The graceful branch structure and varied leaf shapes contribute to its ornamental value, often making it a subject for bonsai cultivation and a central element in Zen gardens.

In addition to its striking visual characteristics, the Japanese Maple is noted for its adaptability to different environments, demonstrating resilience in both shaded and partially sunlit areas. Its relatively shallow root system and moderate growth rate make it a suitable choice for urban gardens and smaller settings where space may be limited.

Culturally, the Japanese Maple has been an integral part of East Asian horticulture and landscape architecture. It often symbolizes serenity and elegance in Japanese culture, featuring prominently in traditional garden design. Its beauty and versatility have also gained it immense popularity in Western horticulture, where it continues to be prized by plant enthusiasts and professional landscapers alike.

Understanding the ecological background of the Japanese Maple enhances its appreciation among plant lovers and gardeners. Knowing its origins in the temperate regions of Southeast Korea and Central and Southern Japan allows for better cultivation practices, ensuring the health and longevity of this exquisite tree in various climates and soils worldwide.

In conclusion, the Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) stands out as a tree of remarkable beauty and versatile charm. Its storied history, stunning seasonal transformations, and cultural significance make it a beloved choice for landscape and garden designs, representing a harmonious blend of aesthetic delight and horticultural excellence.

Common Names

Deu: fächerahorn
Eng: japanese maple, japanese-maple, smooth japanese maple, smooth japanese-maple, purple japanese-maple
Dan: japansk løn
Por: bordo-japonês, bordo-japonês-vermelho, ácer, ácer-japonês, ácer-palmato
Swe: japansk lönn
Fra: érable japonais lisse, érable du japon, érable palmé
Nob: viftelønn
Nno: viftelønn
Zho: 鸡爪枫 (ji zhua feng)
En: Japanese maple, Smooth Japanese maple, Japanese-maple, Smooth Japanese-maple, Purple Japanese-Maple
Ar: قيقب كفي
Hy: Թխկի հովհարանման
Az: Palmayarpaq ağcaqayın
Eu: Japoniar astigar
Bg: Японски клен
Zh: Ji zhua feng, 鸡爪槭, 鸡爪枫 (Ji Zhua Feng)
Hr: Japanski javor
Cs: Javor dlanitolistý
Da: Japansk Løn
Nl: Japanse esdoorn, Palmblad-Esdoorn
Fi: Japaninvaahtera
Fr: Érable du Japon, Érable palmé, Érable japonais lisse, Érable japonais
Gl: Pradairo xaponés
De: Fächerahorn, Fächer-Ahorn, Fächer Ahorn, Japanischer Ahorn
Hu: Ujjas juhar
Is: Japanshlynur
It: Acero giapponese
Ja: Takao-momiji, Iroha-kaede, Iroha-momiji
Ko: Danpungnamu, 단풍나무
Lv: Patīkamā kļava
No: Viftelønn
Nb: Viftelønn
Nn: Viftelønn
Pl: Klon palmowy
Pt: Bordo-japonês, Bordo-japonês-vermelho, Ácer, Ácer-japonês, Ácer-palmato
Ru: Клён дланевидный
Sr: Јапански јавор
Sk: Javor dlaňolistý
Es: Pahljačasti javor, Arce japones
Sv: Japansk lönn
Zh-tw: 鷄爪槭
Tr: Japon akçaağacı
Vi: Phong Nhật Bản

Synonyms

• Acer palmatum var. thunbergii (Pax)
• Acer polymorphum var. palmatum ((Thunb.) K.Koch)
• Acer eupalmatum (Koidz.)
• Acer palmatum subvar. eupalmatum (Schwer.)

Distribution

• Japan (native)
• Korea (native)
• China North-Central (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• New York (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Rémy M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2017 by jan hendriks (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2018 by Alessandro Maioli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 14, 2021 by Jesús Díaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2020 by Charith Tangirala (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 25, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Rémy M (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 2, 2020 by fede Federica (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Rémy M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2004 by Jim Crim (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2020 by Sébastien Chamillard (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 29, 2019 by Blanco Fernández Rocío (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2022 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2019 by Luis Ecenarro (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2020 by Toshihisa Ikoma (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken Sep 23, 2019 by Nana Beverly (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − fr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2013 by Tela Botanica − eschbach (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ambrogio Zanzi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by John Sycorax (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 5, 2020 by Gabriella Layer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2020 by nahaïma menand (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Sten Porse (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3189882)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:927504-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Acer palmatum Thunb.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Tree, Shrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Soil nutriments: 6