Acer Palmatum: The Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum, called Japanese Maple or Smooth Japanese Maple is a species of woody plant which grows all over Asia. Many different cultivars of this maple have been selected and they are grown worldwide for their attractive leaf shapes and colors. They are highly sought after and are relatively costly trees given their size. Acer palmatum is a deciduous small tree reaching heights of 6–10 m, rarely 16 m, often growing as an understory plant in shady woodlands. It may have multiple trunks joining close to the ground.The leaves are 4–12 cm long and wide, palmately lobed with five, seven, or nine acutely pointed lobes. The flowers are produced in small cymes, the individual flowers with five red or purple sepals and five whitish petals. The seeds of Japanese maple and similar species require stratification in order to germinate. For people who like the look or love the scent they give off then join this group!!