Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
GPS Coordinates: 40.027547, -75.313087
The Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) is well known for its showy display of the entire spectrum of spring to fall coloration. It is a smaller tree, growing to be about 15-25 feet tall. Japanese Maples are native to Japan, Korea, and China, and introduced into the U.S. in the 1800s. In Japan, this tree is sometimes referred to as “momiji.” This term has a dual meaning; baby’s hand, which is fitting because the leaves of a Japanese maple spread out symmetrically from a central point like the fingers on the palm of a hand, and also “becomes crimson leaves,” because of the beautiful coloration exhibited by the leaves. They are prized as much for their bright orange and red fall foliage as for their versatility—they thrive in welldrained soil in the Southeast and in warmer areas of New England, and can be grown as bonsai, shrubs, or full-size trees depending on the situation.