Acer palmatum | Japanese Maple
Native to Japan, Korea, China, eastern Mongolia and southwest Russia, the Acer palmatum is a very popular, slow-growing, deciduous tree introduced to the UK in 1820. This tree has the growth habit of a shrub or small multi-stem tree. The canopy is often dome-like, especially on maturity. The leaves are long and wide, palmately lobed with five, seven, or nine deeply-pointed lobes that turn brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow in autumn. They have small, red flowers in spring followed by winged samaras. The Acer palmatum will grow in moist well-drained soil, does best in a neutral to acidic soil. To protect the leaves sensitive to wind and sun scorch, plant in a part-shade and sheltered position.