Acer Palmatum

Description

Acer Palmatum, also known as the Japanese Maple, is a deciduous tree that is native to Japan, China, and Korea. It grows to a height of 6-10 meters and has a graceful, spreading canopy. The leaves are palm-shaped and have a beautiful, delicate texture that makes them a popular ornamental tree. The tree has a slow growth rate, which makes it perfect for small gardens or containers.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Sapindales
Family	Aceraceae
Genus	Acer

Appearance

The leaves of the Acer Palmatum come in a variety of colors, including red, green, and purple. The leaves also have different textures, with some being smooth and others being deeply lobed. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring, followed by winged fruits that are characteristic of the Acer family. In the fall, the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, making the tree a stunning addition to any garden.

Care Guide

The Acer Palmatum is a relatively low-maintenance tree. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The tree should be watered regularly during the growing season, and fertilized once a year in the spring. The tree prefers partial shade, but can tolerate full sun. It is hardy in zones 5-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Acer Palmatum is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including aphids, scale insects, and root rot. Aphids and scale insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap, while root rot can be prevented by ensuring that the soil is well-drained. The tree is also susceptible to leaf scorch, which can be caused by inadequate watering or too much sun.

Habitat

The Acer Palmatum is native to Japan, China, and Korea, and is commonly found in forests and along stream banks. It prefers a mild climate with moderate rainfall and is hardy in zones 5-8. The tree is often grown as an ornamental in gardens and parks.

Question and Answer

Q: Can the Acer Palmatum be grown in a container?

A: Yes, the Acer Palmatum can be grown in a container. It has a slow growth rate and is well-suited to container gardening.

Q: How often should I fertilize my Acer Palmatum?

A: The tree should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.

Q: How much sunlight does the Acer Palmatum need?

A: The tree prefers partial shade, but can tolerate full sun. It is important to protect the tree from hot, afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.

Q: How often should I water my Acer Palmatum?

A: The tree should be watered regularly during the growing season, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.

Related Plants

• Acer Japonicum
• Acer Shirasawanum
• Acer Rubrum
• Acer Saccharum

References

• “Acer Palmatum.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/9341/Acer-palmatum/Details. Accessed 15 Dec. 2021.
• “Acer Palmatum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c124. Accessed 15 Dec. 2021.
• “Japanese Maple.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/japanese-maple-trees-3269311. Accessed 15 Dec. 2021.