Nikko maple | The Morton Arboretum

Family (English) Soapberry (formerly Maple)
Family (botanic) Sapindaceae (formerly Aceraceae)
Planting site Residential and parks
Tree or plant type Tree
Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native locale Non-native
Size range Medium tree (25-40 feet), Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Mature height 30-45 feet
Mature width 30-45 feet
Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances Alkaline soil
Season of interest early fall, mid fall
Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
Shape or form Oval
Growth rate Slow
Transplants well Yes
Wildlife Insect pollinators
Has cultivars Yes

Size and form:

A mature Nikko maple is typically 30 to 45 feet tall and wide.

Native geographic location and habitat:

It is native to Japan and China.

Attracts birds, pollinators, or wildlife:

Insect pollinators are attracted to Nikko maple.

Bark color and texture:

The gray bark is smooth.

Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:

The leaves consist of three leaflets on a short, hairy stalk. The leaves are 2 to 5 inches long and have an opposite arrangement along the branch. Summer leaves are dark green, changing to a mix of red, yellow, and burgundy in fall. Fall color isn’t consistent from year to year.