UACES Facebook Cutleaf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum)
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Landscape Trees
Cutleaf Japanese Maple 
(Acer palmatum var. dissectum) 

Certainly one of the most prized landscape plants in Arkansas is the Japanese maple (Acer palmatum). Available in hundreds of selections, they are valued for their beauty and diversity in plant habit and leaf color and shape.

Remember that all Japanese maples would benefit from some sun protection (partial sun exposure) and must receive consistent moisture during the hottest months of summer.  As a result of harsh conditions in Arkansas we are seeing more frequent problems with a variety of stem canker diseases. Japanese maples are also a favorite of the recently introduced granulated (Asian) ambrosia beetle.  Keeping your maples happy can avoid many of these serious problems.

  • Common Name:  Japanese maple
  • Varieties to look for: ‘Trompenburg’, ‘Nuresagi’, ‘Crimson Queen’,  ‘Tamuke yama’, ‘Orangeola’, ‘Ever Red’, ‘Sango kaku’, ‘Viridis’, ‘Waterfall’
  • Flower Color: not significant
  • Blooming period:
  • Type:  deciduous shrub/tree
  • Size:  varies by cultivar from 3’ to 25’ tall
  • Exposure: partial sun
  • Soil: good rich soil
  • Watering:  consistent moisture
  • When to prune: as needed
  • Suggested use:  specimen

Form
Picture of Cutleaf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum) tree form showing dark red foliage.

Form in fall color

Picture of Cutleaf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum) in bright orange-red fall color.

Leaf color variations in seedlings

Picture of Cutleaf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum) showing variations in seedling leaf colors from red to green.

Leaf color variation

Picture of two Cutleaf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum) seedlings showing deep red color and pale green color.

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