Japanese maple is a species with many variations. It can grow as a large shrub or a small tree. Many cultivars are available with different characteristics such as finely dissected leaves and weeping branches. Not all cultivars are fully hardy in zone 5 and may need protection in winter.
- Family (English) Soapberry (formerly Maple)
- Family (botanic) Sapindaceae (formerly Aceraceae)
- Planting site Residential and parks, Under utility lines
- Tree or plant type Tree, Shrub
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Non-native
- Size range Medium shrub (5-8 feet), Large shrub (more than 8 feet), Compact tree (10-15 feet), Small tree (15-25 feet)
- Mature height 15-25 feet
- Mature width 15-35 feet
- Light exposure Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
- Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil
- Drought tolerance Moderately sensitive
- Other tolerances Alkaline soil
- Season of interest late spring, early summer, midsummer, late summer, early fall
- Flower color and fragrance Purple, Red
- Shape or form Broad, Multi-stemmed, Round, Weeping
- Growth rate Slow
- Transplants well Moderate
- Wildlife Insect pollinators
- Has cultivars Yes