Contents
Description
Acer Palmatum Var. Dissectum Inaba, commonly known as the Japanese Maple, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family of Sapindaceae. This plant is native to Japan, Korea, and China and is widely cultivated in temperate regions around the world. It is highly valued for its attractive foliage, which changes color throughout the year, and its unique shape.
Taxonomic Information
Domain | Eukaryota |
Kingdom | Plantae |
Phylum | Spermatophyta |
Class | Magnoliopsida |
Order | Sapindales |
Family | Sapindaceae |
Genus | Acer |
Appearance
Acer Palmatum Var. Dissectum Inaba is a slow-growing shrub that can reach up to 5-6 feet in height and width. It has a weeping habit with cascading, finely dissected leaves that are 2-5 inches long and 2-4 inches wide. The leaves are green in spring and summer, turning to brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown, and the branches are slender and delicate.
Care Guide
Acer Palmatum Var. Dissectum Inaba requires moderate care and attention to thrive. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The Japanese Maple prefers well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often in hot, dry weather.- Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again in midsummer.- Soil: Use well-draining, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting in heavy clay or alkaline soil.- Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.- Hardiness Zones: Acer Palmatum Var. Dissectum Inaba is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Japanese Maple is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, including aphids, scale insects, and powdery mildew. Regular inspection and treatment with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can help prevent infestations. Good air circulation, proper watering, and careful pruning can help prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
Habitat
Acer Palmatum Var. Dissectum Inaba is native to Japan, Korea, and China, where it grows in mountain forests and along stream banks. In cultivation, it is often used as a specimen plant in Japanese gardens, as a container plant on patios and balconies, or as an accent plant in mixed borders.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Acer Palmatum Var. Dissectum Inaba?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often in hot, dry weather.
Q: What is the best soil for this plant?
A: Use well-draining, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting in heavy clay or alkaline soil.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect this plant?
A: The Japanese Maple is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and powdery mildew.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for this plant?
A: Acer Palmatum Var. Dissectum Inaba is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Related Plants
– Acer Palmatum ‘Bloodgood’- Acer Palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’- Acer Palmatum ‘Emperor I’- Acer Palmatum ‘Osakazuki’
References
– Dirr, Michael A. Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs. Timber Press, 2011.- Gilman, Edward F. “Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Inaba’ Japanese Maple.” University of Florida IFAS Extension, 2003.- Huxley, Anthony, ed. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. Macmillan Press, 1992.