Acer pycnanthum
Japanese red maple
A deciduous tree to around 20m tall forming a rounded crown when mature. Shallowly-lobed leaves emerge bronze-green in the spring and turn shades of orange, yellow, red and purple in the autumn; the undersides of the leaves have a whitish bloom. Small clusters of red flowers are borne on the bare branches in spring and followed by reddish winged fruits in the summer
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Bronze Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Orange Purple Red Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Acer can be deciduous trees or large shrubs with paired, often palmately-lobed leaves and small flowers followed by characteristic winged fruits. Many have fine autumn colour, and some have ornamental stems
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a moist but well-drained soil. Acid soils will give the best autumn colour
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.