Acer shirasawanum
Shirasawa maple
A deciduous, rounded, bushy, small tree or large shrub about 6m tall, with rounded 7-11 lobed, sharply-toothed, bright green leaves, that turn orange and red in autumn. Clusters of creamy-yellow flowers in spring are followed by brownish-red winged fruits
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Brown Red | ||
| Autumn | Orange Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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 fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. See tree cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed (trees and shrubs), layering in autumn, grafting in late winter or softwood cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
Pruning group 1, if necessary, from late autumn to midwinter only
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.