Collections Management

The classic Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) - the cornerstone of maple collections. This species encompasses an enormous variety of small deciduous trees known for their elegant, hand-shaped leaves and sublime seasonal color changes.

This family encompasses the classic green-leaved Japanese maples that don’t fall into more specialized categories. These trees typically have broad, palmate leaves with 7 lobes (the basal lobes are small), and lobes divided about halfway to the leaf blade. They represent the “basic” Japanese maple form from which other types are derived. A quintessential example is Acer palmatum ‘Ōsakazuki’, renowned for its lush summer green foliage and brilliant crimson fall color. Trees in the Classic Seven-Lobed Family tend to be vigorous, forming elegant upright canopies that blaze orange-red in autumn. Their uncomplicated beauty and reliability make them cornerstone specimens in Japanese gardens and collections. - **Light:** Thrive in full sun to part shade. Green-leaf types can handle more sun, which intensifies fall color but provide afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch. - **Soil:** Prefer well-drained, loamy soil with moderate moisture. Enrich soil with organic matter to mimi

The Upright Red Family contains all the red-leaved Japanese maples that are upright in form (excluding strapleaf or dwarf witch’s brooms). In summer their foliage stays red or reddish-green, ranging from burgundy tones to deep wine hues. A famous representative is Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’, a classic red maple known for holding its rich color even in heat. These maples add a dramatic pop of color to the landscape through the growing season and often finish with fiery scarlet fall foliage. Upright Reds are highly sought by collectors for their elegant, tree-like form combined with stunning foliage. They create striking focal points, and many cultivars (like Emperor I, Fireglow, etc.) are beloved for their intensity and vigor. - **Light:** Full sun to partial shade. Red cultivars develop their best leaf color in ample light, but in very hot regions, provide afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch or color bleaching. - **Soil:** Plant in moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Av

This family is characterized by dazzling yellow or orange new growth in spring. The unfolding leaves emerge in sunrise shades of gold, amber, or brilliant orange and then usually mellow to chartreuse or bright lime-green in summer. Cultivars like Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’ and Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’ exemplify this group with their glowing spring display. Golden Spring maples add an eye-catching brightness to the garden’s early season and often put on a second show with clear yellow or apricot fall color. They are treasured by enthusiasts for the way they “light up” a shady spot and contrast beautifully with red or green companions. - **Light:Partial shade is ideal. Morning sun with afternoon shade preserves the vivid spring hues and** prevents the delicate yellow leaves from scorching. Too much hot sun can burn golden foliage. - **Soil:** Rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. The thin golden leaves are prone to drying, so a moisture-retentive yet draining soil mix is best.

Maples in the Convex Leaf Family have a unique leaf shape where each lobe exhibits a curled or down- arched contour – the sides of the lobes bend downward, giving the leaf a cupped, convex appearance. This unusual morphology creates a textural interest, as if each leaf is slightly spooned. Acer palmatum ‘Trompenburg’ is a well-known example, showcasing the hallmark rolled edges on its maroon summer leaves. Many Convexum types have some A. shirasawanum in their heritage, lending them thick leaf substance and often excellent fall color (fiery reds). Collectors prize this group for its leaf shape novelty – the convex leaves cast intriguing shadows and stand out among typical flat-leaved maples. They also tend to be robust growers with handsome, rounded crowns. - **Light:** Full sun to part shade. Convex-leaf cultivars like ‘Trompenburg’ develop rich color in sun, but they tolerate light shade well (which can help prevent leaf scorch on dark-colored forms). - **Soil:** Average well-drained

This family is all about vibrant pink and coral-red tones in the spring flush. When the new leaves emerge, they range from shrimp-pink to bright coral, creating a head-turning display in early spring. A classic example is Acer palmatum ‘Deshojo’, whose fiery pink-red young leaves have made it a garden favorite. Cultivars in the Spring Coral group often transition to green or bronzy-green by summer, then ignite again with brilliant red or orange in autumn. Collectors adore these maples for that shocking spring color – they’re like living bouquets when in leaf-out. They are a wonderful choice to herald the season, and their spring show rivals even flowering trees. Despite their delicate appearance, most are fairly easy to grow, originating from A. palmatum lineage. - **Light:** Partial shade is best. Too much direct hot sun can scorch the tender pink leaves in spring. Bright dappled light or morning sun/afternoon shade will preserve those coral tones longest. - **Soil:** Humus-rich, well

Relatively small in stature but big on character, the Lion’s Head Family (Crispum Group) is defined by its crinkled, tightly-packed foliage. Leaves are usually 5-lobed, small, and curl or bunch up in a “shredded” or crisped fashion. The quintessential cultivar is Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’, commonly called the Lion’s Head Maple, which grows into an upright, compact tree with dense tufts of curled deep- green leaves. These maples often have a sculptural form, almost like a living bonsai, and they shine in fall when the thick leaves turn gold-orange. Collectors prize Lion’s Head types for their architectural presence – they are perfect for small gardens or containers, and their textured foliage invites closer inspection. Despite often being referred to as dwarfs, some can ultimately reach 8–10 feet or more over many years, developing a picturesque silhouette. - **Light:Full sun to partial shade. Unlike lacy or thin leaves, the thicker, crinkled leaves can tolerate sun** well without s

Perhaps the most iconic image of a Japanese maple is the weeping laceleaf form – and those belong to the Laceleaf Weeping Family. These maples have leaves deeply divided to the base into many narrow lobes, often finely serrated and feathery, giving a lacy appearance. Almost all are low mounding or cascading in habit, forming elegant dome-shaped specimens over time. Classic varieties include Acer palmatum ‘Garnet’ (with rich red lace leaves) and ‘Green Cascade’ (A. japonicum variant). They originate from Acer palmatum subsp. matsumurae (formerly A. matsumurae species) and share that weeping “mushroom” shape. Laceleaf maples are coveted for their romantic, waterfall-like presence in the garden – they drape patios, ponds, or rockery edges with grace. Despite their delicate look, hundreds of cultivars exist due to popularity, coming in a range of colors (greens, reds, orange, variegated) and sizes. They do require a bit more care with sun and moisture, but reward with unmatched texture and

As the name suggests, the Threadleaf Family contains Japanese maples with extremely narrow, strap-like lobes on their leaves. These leaves are cut all the way to the base but unlike Group 7, the lobes are not deeply serrated – they’re more or less smooth-edged and ribbon-like, often compared to long fingers or willow leaves. Acer palmatum ‘Koto-no-ito’ (meaning “Harp Strings”) is a famous type cultivar, boasting threadlike green lobes that quiver in the breeze. Another is ‘Red Spider’ (with burgundy filigree leaves). Threadleaf maples create a very airy, delicate effect – in spring the first flush may have slightly broader lobes, but soon the true fine form appears. They tend to be small to medium in size, some upright and some mounding. Collectors love them for their unusual texture – when backlit by sun, they look like lace curtains. In fall, threadleaf types often put on a spectacular show (golden yellows, oranges, or bright reds, depending on cultivar) which, combined with their na

The Matsumurae Family refers to Japanese maples with large, deeply divided leaves that reach the leaf base, similar to the Dissectum group, but with a crucial difference: these are upright growers without the weeping, mushroom habit. Leaves typically have 7 to 9 lobes that are moderately serrate (not as frilly as laceleafs). Think of them as big, bold versions of the classic palmate leaf, often with a slightly draping leaf shape but on a regular tree form. Acer palmatum ‘Sōmatono’ (Soma-no-kawa) is cited as a fine example . These maples were historically classified as Acer matsumurae, hence the group name. Collectors admire them for their lush, broad canopies and often spectacular fall colors. They bridge the gap between the delicate laceleafs and the standard palmatums – giving you that deeply cut look on a larger, upright tree. In summer, many have rich green foliage; in autumn, expect a riot of reds, purples, or golds depending on variety. They lack the strong pendulous nature of di

This family is reserved for variegated Japanese maples where the variegation appears distinctly along the leaf margins. In other words, the leaf edges are a different color than the interior. A classic example is Acer palmatum ‘Butterfly’, which has gray-green leaves edged in creamy white (that often tinges pink in spring and fall). Marginatum cultivars can have white, cream, yellow, or even pink borders on a green or purple base leaf. They are true eye-catchers – the outlined effect makes each leaf look hand- painted. While variegated plants can be slightly slower growing, these margin types tend to form lovely small trees, and the two-tone foliage adds season-long interest. Collectors find them irresistible for adding unique color contrast in the garden. Just be ready to give them a bit more TLC, as the lighter edge can be sensitive to sunburn. With proper siting, though, these maples reward you with a living tapestry of color. In autumn, the pale margins often turn a striking pink o

The Palmatum Family encompasses those Japanese maples that don’t exhibit any extreme leaf colors or shapes – in other words, the “typical” green Japanese maple in form. Their leaves are usually 5-lobed (occasionally 7), divided up to two-thirds of the way to the base, with no frills or variegation. These trees harken closest to the wild form of Acer palmatum. They often are vigorous, capable of becoming larger specimens (20–30 feet in time), and develop beautiful layered branching. Many old, stately Japanese maples in gardens and arboretums belong to this group. One example cited is Acer palmatum ‘Diana’ (sometimes listed as ‘Diane’), known for its elegant green foliage and lovely crimson fall display. Collectors may sometimes overlook the plain green palmatums in favor of flashier types, but these classics are indispensable for structure and soothing greenery. In summer, their cool green canopies provide a calm backdrop, and in autumn many turn dazzling shades of gold, orange, or red.

Cultivars in the Pine Bark Family distinguish themselves by their unusually textured bark that becomes rough, corky, and fissured like pine tree bark as they mature. Instead of the smooth, delicate bark typical of Japanese maples, these develop rugged trunks that add year-round interest. A famous example is Acer palmatum ‘Nishiki-gawa’, often called the pinebark maple, which starts showing its cracked bark in just a few years. The leaves in this group are generally normal palmatum-type (5-lobed green leaves), so the primary ornamental feature is the bark itself. These make fantastic four-season specimens: pretty green foliage in spring and summer, lovely fall color (often red-orange), and then after leaf drop the gnarled, textured bark gives a bonsai-esque aged character to the tree. For collectors, Pine Bark maples are a treasure – they bring the illusion of ancientness even when relatively young. They tend to be vigorous and hardy, similar to standard green palmatums, with the bark a

The Coral Bark Family is prized for its vividly colored bark on young twigs and branches, usually in striking shades of bright red, coral pink, or orange. The most famous member is Acer palmatum ‘Sango- kaku’, commonly known as the coral bark maple, which showcases intense salmon-red twigs in winter. Trees in this group are often medium-sized uprights with green leaves that turn clear yellow in fall – a perfect foil to the red stems that shine all winter. The bark color is most pronounced on newer growth, giving a brilliant display in the dormant season (and even in summer, the red/green contrast is attractive). Collectors and designers love Coral Bark maples for winter interest – they literally glow against snow or gray skies. It’s like having a “red twig” dogwood effect, but on a refined maple. Do note, they can be a bit sensitive (some coral barks may have twig dieback issues), but proper care mitigates this. The payoff is high: few trees provide such a four-season spectacle with sp

This distinctive family features Japanese maples with reticulated (net-like) leaf variegation, meaning the leaves have an underlying lighter color with darker veins – almost like a web or marble pattern. They are sometimes nicknamed “Ghost maples” due to the ethereal, misty look of their foliage (indeed, several famous cultivars have “Ghost” names, like ‘Purple Ghost’, ‘Amber Ghost’). The defining trait: veins are a contrasting color, often darker green or burgundy, while the leaf blade is lighter (cream, yellow, pinkish, etc.). Acer palmatum ‘Aka shigitatsu sawa’ was among the first introduced and shows a beautiful cream leaf with green veins. More recent introductions (like ‘Jubilee’ or the Ghost series by Talon Buchholz) have expanded the color palette. In spring, these maples can flush pink, peach, or white with green vein networks, then turn softer shades in summer, and often blaze in fall with yellows and reds. Collectors revere the Reticulated Family because each leaf is a piece

A truly unusual group, the Sessile Leaf Family is defined by leaves that lack petioles (leaf stems) and have lobes so reduced at the base that the leaves appear attached directly to the twig. This gives the tree a very distinctive look – the leaves often cluster like little rosettes right on the stems. The Japanese name “Hagoromo” (meaning feathered robe) is associated with one such cultivar and captures the feathery appearance of the foliage. Acer palmatum ‘Beni-hagoromo’ is a noted example, with deeply divided, narrow lobes that indeed look like a tuft of feathers emerging from the branch. In this family, the leaf lobes may also be somewhat tube-like or twisted, adding to the textural oddity. These maples are delights for collectors who appreciate the rare and whimsical. Spring growth can be reddish or bright green, depending on cultivar, and while variegation might occur in some (e.g., ‘Hagoromo-fu’ has some cream variegation), the leaf shape is the primary feature. They tend to be

The Variegatum Family comprises all other variegated Japanese maples not covered by the Marginatum Group – essentially a broad array of variegation patterns beyond just edge variegation. This includes maples with blotches, speckles, splashes, or sectored variegation of different colors on their leaves. Often the variegation is in shades of cream, pink, white, or yellow mixed with green. A classic representative is Acer palmatum ‘Uki-gumo’ (“Floating Clouds”), an old Japanese cultivar with a subtle green and white blotched leaf occasionally tinged with pink. Within this family, patterns vary widely: some have random splashes (like ‘Oridono-nishiki’ style), others have central variegation, etc. Because of this diversity, Group 16 is something of a catch-all for variegates except margin types. What unites them is the element of surprise and artistry in their foliage. These maples are true collector’s delights – each leaf can be a surprise of color placement. For instance, ‘Uki-gumo’ might

This family comprises the charming dwarf Japanese maples that originated as witch’s broom mutations, characterized by very compact growth and often a reduced central lobe on the leaves. Witch’s brooms are genetic mutations causing dense, tufted branching on a parent tree; when propagated, they produce miniature cultivars with unique traits. In these maples, a telltale sign is that the middle leaf lobe is shorter than the side lobes, giving the leaf a somewhat rounded or blunt appearance at the tip. They also usually have tight, globular growth habits with lots of fine twigs and short internodes. Acer palmatum ‘Carl’s Corner Broom’ is a noted example – a very compact red dwarf with the broom signature leaf shape. These dwarf maples are incredibly popular for container culture, small gardens, and rock gardens. They often look like little jewel versions of Japanese maples, sometimes with cute names reflecting their size (e.g., many end in “-busa” meaning dwarf). Though small, they can hav

(The Pink-Blend Variegates) – This family is all about the playful pink variegation that some Japanese maples display. Named after the cultivar ‘Oridono-nishiki’, these maples feature leaves dappled with blush pink, cream, and green in unpredictable patterns. In spring, the young leaves emerge like works of art – splashed with rose and white on a green canvas. Cultivars in this style (such as ‘Oridono-nishiki’, ‘Asahi-zuru’, ‘Shirazz’ in some markets, etc.) are highly coveted by collectors for their tri-color foliage. The pink hues are most pronounced in spring and cool weather, often fading to cream and green patches in summer, then possibly flushing pink again with cooler nights of early autumn. Each leaf is unique; some may be half green, half pink, others mottled all over, giving the tree a lively patchwork appearance. The overall effect is whimsical and eye-catching – truly a conversation piece in any garden. The Oridono Nishiki Style Family brings a splash of cheerful color throu

(The Layered Spring Variegates) – The Higasayama Style Family is named after the renowned cultivar ‘Higasayama’, known for its exceptional spring show. Maples in this group have a unique variegation where emerging leaves are edged or layered with color, especially pink and cream, creating a hand- painted look. In spring as the buds open, each leaf unfurls with pink highlights and pale margins against a soft green background. It’s as if the tree is covered in blossoms, but it’s actually the foliage! ‘Higasayama’ itself has new leaves that are pinkish-cream on the margins, then the color slowly fades to green margins with the leaf center turning greener – a fascinating transition over weeks. Other cultivars in this style similarly hold a surprise in spring: some might show lime centers with coral edges, others cream margins that turn white. By summer, the leaves often become mostly green with subtle traces of variegation, but then autumn brings another surprise – often bright scarlet or

(Bark Beauties & Cold Season Stars) – The Winter Interest Family highlights Japanese maples (and their relatives) that offer exceptional beauty in the winter months. When leaves have fallen, these trees still steal the show through striking bark color, unique branch structure, or other cold-season attributes. This group naturally includes the Coral Bark maples (Group 13) like Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ with its flaming red twigs, and Pine Bark maples (Group 12) like ‘Nishiki-gawa’ with its corky, textured trunk – both provide visual interest in winter. But beyond those, we also consider snakebark maples here (like Acer davidii, Acer capillipes, etc.), which display green-and-white striped bark even in the depths of winter. Their candy-cane striping and, in some species, a reddish blush on new stems, are captivating when the landscape is otherwise bare. Additionally, any maple known for an elegant scaffold or persistent seed pods could be in this family. The idea is that these are maple

(Burst of Spring Color Collection) – The Spring Interest Family celebrates maples that are absolute showstoppers in the spring, offering the garden an early burst of color and excitement as the season begins. Members of this family overlap with some previously mentioned groups, but are chosen specifically for how dramatic their spring emergence is. This includes Coral-pink flushing maples (Group 5 Corallinum types like ‘Deshojo’, ‘Shindeshojo’) which flush intense pink-red in spring, Golden spring foliage maples (Group 3 Aureum types like ‘Orange Dream’, ‘Katsura’) that glow in neon oranges and yellows, and spring variegates (Group 19 Higasayama types and some Group 16) that unfurl with unique coloration. We also consider species like Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’ which leafs out with a reddish blush before turning green, or Acer triflorum whose new leaves might be softly hairy and tinted (plus triflorum has pretty yellow flowers in spring, adding interest). Essentially, any maple tha

(Scintillating Summer Foliage & Form) – The Summer Interest Family comprises maples that truly shine in the summer months, a time when some other maples might “settle down” into plain green. These are the trees that carry exciting color or features through the heat of the year. This group often includes reticulated/ ghost maples (Group 14) because their vein patterns and subtle colors actually peak in summer – many ghost series cultivars develop stronger contrasting colors as the leaves mature and the sun brings out the vein highlights. It also includes maples with unusual summer colors: for example, Acer palmatum ‘Summer Gold’ (as the name suggests, it keeps a golden-chartreuse color in summer without burning), or Acer shirasawanum ‘Autumn Moon’, which can display amber and pink tones all summer if shaded. Additionally, second flush maples belong here – some cultivars push out fresh brightly colored new growth in midsummer (like Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’ sometimes sends out red flushe

(The Weeping Treasures) – The Nakakamado Weeping Family is inspired by one of the most famous Japanese maples in existence: Acer palmatum ‘Nakakamado Weeping’, a tree so old and revered in Japan that it’s considered a national treasure. This family encompasses rare and distinctive weeping Japanese maples that often carry history or exceptional form. Unlike the standard laceleaf weepers (Group 7), the Nakakamado-style weepers may have palmate (not dissected) leaves and extremely pendulous, twisting branching that creates an umbrella or cascading mound of great character. They often grow with a central leader staked up, then flowing dramatically down in tiers. These trees are living art pieces – ‘Nakakamado Weeping’ itself has a legendary multi-century-old specimen in Fukushima with gnarled, sweeping limbs supported by stakes. In cultivation, this and similar cultivars (sometimes called “pendulous treasures”) are highly sought for their exquisite, graceful habit and often brilliant fall