Acer shirasawanum ‘Autumn Moon’

USDA Zones 5 to 8                             8’ at 10 years

Burgundy bronze spring foliage, changing to yellow/green for the summer and then orange/red in the fall. This tree is grown most often as a multi-stem tree. 

The colors of this tree are strongest when the plant is in full sun or very high shade.  Shaded leaves carry pale yellow-green tones. 

The tree seems to stand heat well.

Acer palmatum ‘Beni kawa’

USDA Zones 5 to 9                                 11’ at 10 years

The name translates as “Red bark” (note the color of the pink stem in photo below).  ‘Beni kawa’ has spectacular bright red shoots in spring that unfold into green leaves with a red edge.

Fall brings a mix of orange and yellow. Winter interest is of the colorful bark, which is more visible on the older wood. Winter sun will intensify the color. In hotter climates the tree does better with a little afternoon shade, or dappled light.

Acer palmatum ‘Corallinum’

USDA Zones 5 to 9                             3’ at 10 years

Deep pink spring color turns to green with some variegation in summer and crimson/red in fall. Bark shows some pink color for winter interest.

Do not mistake this for ‘Sango kaku’, which has a deep red bark coloration.  This tree is a true dwarf, popular with small garden owners and bonsai types.

New growth in late summer or early fall is scarlet and a lovely addition of color at that time of year.

Acer p. var. dissectum ‘Crimson Queen’

USDA Zones 5 to 8                             4’ at 10 years

Purple/red spring color, deepening to purple for the summer and crimson red for the fall, this is a standout tree for the smaller space or as an accent plant.  The tree is considered a classic lace-leaf weeping Japanese maple, and is often used to make a dramatic impact on a bank or near water.  It does prefer to be protected from wind, and can tolerate full sun to part shade.

Acer palmatum ‘Fireglow’

USDA Zones 5 to 8                                 10’ at 10 years

This upright tree has red foliage that turns deep red for fall.  It is similar to ‘Bloodgood’, but has more deeply divided leaves and holds the intense red color better during the summer.  It is less widespread than the ‘Bloodgood’.  The original tree was about 12 feet at 30 years.  This makes it an ideal container plant, or specimen tree for the small garden.  Prefers sun to part shade.

Acer palmatum ‘Higasa yama’

USDA Zones 5 to 9                            12’ at 10 years

This variegated cultivar has been found on lists that date back to 1880.  It has seven lobed leaves that crinkle and curl upward at the edges.  The leaf color changes throughout the season.  Soring buds have been described as pale cream and crimson 2 toned popcorn.  The leaf opens to a cream edged green leaf that has some pink edging as well.  Fall brings an orange to the areas that were cream.  This tree  is very popular with Bonsai growers.  LIMITED STOCK

Acer p. var. diss. ‘Inaba shidare’

USDA Zones 5 to 8                             8’ at 10 years

This is a more upright grower than standard dissectum, but still has a cascading form.  The deep purple-red leaves retain their color better than others in the hot summer months, and they are larger on this tree than on many others.  Fall color is a brilliant crimson red.  Originally a Japanese tree, it has been in propagation since the mid 1800s.  This tree prefers afternoon shade in hotter areas.

Acer palmatum ‘Moonfire’

USDA Zones 5 to 9                                   9’ at 10 years

‘Moonfire’ emerges almost black/red and becomes a purple as it opens.  The leaves have been described as opalescent and they maintain their color until fall when the leaves turn crimson.  This is a fast growing tree over the first few years, up to 3 feet a year and slows as the tree matures.  The tree broadens as height growth slows.  So the initial impact to the owner is good without the tree becoming overbearing.

Acer p. var. diss. ‘Orangeola’

USDA Zones 5 to 9                             4’ at 10 years

‘Orangeola’ is one of the faster growing dissectums, but it does not get too tall because it directs most of its energy into developing its pendulous weeping branches.  Spring brings lacy leaves that emerge golden orange.  As summer progresses the leaves turn green, but still with a mix of oranges allowing almost a mottled effect.  This tree has to be one of the best contrast plantings available making a bold statement in almost any garden setting.

Acer palmatum ‘Orido nishiki’

USDA Zones 5 to 8                            10’ at 10 years

Also known as ‘Oridono nishiki’.  This upright tree produces amazing color in the spring, green, pink and white variegated leaves, as well as pink tinged stems and bark on new growth catch the eye in spring.  The variegation can vary from leaf to leaf giving delightful unbalanced coloring.  Unlike some of the other variegated JPMs, this tree is less prone to non-variegated foliage.  Exposure to sun increases the variegation.  It grows into a sturdy round topped tree.

Acer palmatum ‘Peaches and Cream’

USDA Zones 5 to 9                                   6’ at 10 years

This is a slow growing tree that starts with amazing pink and cream variegated leaves that have green veins that turn golden yellow in the fall.

Full sun to part shade, but many recommend filtered light, at least in the afternoon.

It is best grown as a small tree or shrub.  Australian 1976 selection.

Acer p. var. diss. ‘Red Dragon’

USDA Zones 5 to 8                             4’ at 10 years

Early training is important with this cultivar.  Expect to have to stake it and guide it as it forms its strong central trunk.  Some prefer to allow it to show a thicker blanket of weeping branches.  Without pruning or training it can become very dense, almost matted in appearance.  Bright scarlet spring leaves darken to burgundy and hold well until fall brings an outstandingly bright scarlet.  This is an outstanding rock garden, small garden or container plant.

Acer p. var. diss. ‘Tamuke yama’

USDA Zones 5 to 9                             5’ at 10 years

Named for Mount Tamukeyama in Japan, this 1700s introduction is one of the oldest and most colorfast cultivars and few can do better.  This lace-leaf is more scorch resistant than most, even with direct sunlight for a long period of the day.  It brings a very delicate fine texture as an impact planting and has a color graduation of spring bright red to summer burgundy to fall scarlet.  This is THE most popular Japanese Maple in the US.

Acer p. var. diss. ‘Toyama nishiki’

USDA Zones 5 to 9                                   4’ at 10 years

This dissectum has a delightful variegation that gives a combination of purple/red and green leaves, with some pink as well.  This is a tree for the shade, it burns easily in direct sun, but is rare enough to get the attention of collectors, yet is pleasing to the eye for new gardeners to enjoy.  The colors hold much better if it is grown in the shade!

Acer p. var. diss.  ‘Viridis’

USDA Zones 5 to 9                             4’ at 10 years

This weeping tree starts the year with an intense, bright, almost chartreuse green.  It holds it’s color through the fall when it turns a lovely shade of gold! 

Part shade to full sun, but afternoon shade is recommended to keep the delicate leaves from scorching.

Acer p. var. diss. ‘Waterfall’

USDA Zones 5 to 9                             4’ at 10 years

‘Waterfall’ is a weeping lace-leaf Japanese maple.  Bright green spring foliage holds through the summer and changes to a deep golden yellow in the fall.

The weeping branch structure and delicate leaves give the waterfall appearance.  This fast growing tree puts most of its energy into developing its strong branching structure.