The painted maple (Acer pictum, J.A.Murray, Syst. Veg. ed. 14: 912 (1784))

Family: Sapindaceae

Author: Thunb.

Bibliography: J.A.Murray, Syst. Veg. ed. 14: 912 (1784)

Year: 1784

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Acer

Vegetable: False

Observations: Japan

Description

The painted maple, scientifically known as Acer pictum, is a remarkable tree celebrated for its ornamental allure and vibrant foliage. First described by the Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thunberg, its formal classification was published in the 1784 edition of “Systema Vegetabilium” by J.A. Murray.

This species, a member of the Sapindaceae family, is native to Japan where it is commonly observed in various landscapes, from serene gardens to untamed forests. The painted maple stands out for its striking leaves that exhibit a palette of colors, typically transitioning from deep green in the spring and summer to shades of orange, red, and yellow during the autumn months. This seasonal transformation not only enhances its beauty but also signifies the tree’s adaptability to the changing environment.

In terms of growth, Acer pictum is characterized by a well-defined structure with a broadly spreading canopy, offering ample shade. Its leaves are palmate with five to seven deeply incised lobes, creating a delicate and aesthetically pleasing pattern. The bark is smooth and grayish when young, gradually developing ridges and furrows with age, further adding to its visual appeal.

The painted maple is highly valued in horticulture and landscaping for its resilience and minimal maintenance requirements. It thrives in well-drained soils and prefers a temperate climate, making it an excellent choice for regions with distinct seasonal variations. Additionally, its moderate size makes it suitable for both small gardens and larger park settings.

Overall, the painted maple not only contributes to biodiversity but also enhances natural beauty, symbolizing the serene and ever-changing essence of the Japanese landscape.

Common Names

Eng: the painted maple
En: The Painted Maple, Painted Maple
Fr: Érable coloré
Es: Arce pintado
: The painted maple

Synonyms

• Kalopanax pictus ((Thunb.) Nakai)
• Acer platanoides subsp. pictum ((Thunb.) Gams)
• Acer lobelii subsp. pictum ((Thunb.) Wesm.)

Distribution

• Amur (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Japan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Tibet (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Mar 1, 1989 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 1, 1989 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 1, 1989 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 19, 2020 by Trevisan Marco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 19, 2020 by Trevisan Marco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2022 by Gerrit Busser (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Hallay Volker (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 23, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2020 by Trevisan Marco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 4, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2020 by Diego Alex (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.

Fruit

Taken Sep 23, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7262911)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:56779-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Acer pictum Thunb.)

Specifications

Growth