tree · design plant record

Acer palmatum

Japanese maple

A layered foliage focal point for sheltered, lightly shaded ground.

Photographs show the source plant or captioned cultivar, season and setting. They do not document one of our illustrative garden layouts as a built project.

Height at maturity

4.57–7.62 m (15–25 ft)

Spread at maturity

3.05–7.62 m (10–25 ft)

Light

Part shade

Moisture

Moist, draining soil

Source-reported USDA zones

5–8 · verify subzone and cultivar

Principal seasonal role

Spring, Summer, Autumn

Fit it to the site

Moist, well-drained soil and shelter from drying wind.

The species can exceed a small courtyard; choose and verify the exact cultivar before allocating space.

Keep the care in the decision

Protect young growth from late frost and avoid drought stress.

Origin & safety checks

Asia: Japan, China, Korea, eastern Mongolia, southeastern Russia. Confirm local native range and restrictions.

Pet safety and edible uses are not assessed; verify the exact botanical name with a suitable local authority.

Check current invasive restrictions with your local plant-health or extension authority. For pets, use the exact botanical name in a veterinary toxicity reference; for potential ingestion or exposure, get appropriate professional advice rather than relying on a design guide.