Fernleaf Maple Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium'
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- AY-ser juh-PON-ih-kum
- Description
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'Aconitifolium' is a dwarf, mounded, deciduous multi-trunked shrub or small tree in the in the maple family (Sapindaceae) which typically grows slowly to 8-10' tall.
Features palmate, almost fern-like medium green leaves which are deeply divided. These leaves turn crimson in fall. Before leaves appear in the spring you will notice small, attractive reddish flowers that give way to samaras (winged fruit) which ripen in late summer to early fall. While the flowers are lovely close up they will not be noticed when looking at your landscape from a distance.
It grows well in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade but protect from harsh summer sun as leaves may scorch in full sun. Grows best with cool summer conditions. Site in locations protected from strong winds. Young trees should be staked to promote more erect growth. Plants perform poorly south of USDA Zone 7.
It works well as a specimen or in small groups as an understory plant with striking fall color.
Insect, Diseases, and Other Problems: This plant suffers from no serious insect or disease problems but can host aphids, scale, borers, mites, and caterpillars. Plants are occasionally susceptible to verticillium wilt, leaf spots, root rots, anthracnose, collar rot and stem canker. Protect from late frosts as foliage tends to leaf out early in spring and may be damaged. See potential insect and disease problem fact sheets to the left.
The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common maple diseases and insect pests.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Mountain Ridge Top Garden - West Lawn and Border
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Acer
- Species:
- japonicum
- Family:
- Sapindaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Vigorous understory tree featuring attractive foliage and stunning fall color.
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Dimensions:
- Height: 8 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Mounding
- Multi-stemmed
- Rounded
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Fine
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- NC Region:
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Pink
- Red/Burgundy
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Samara
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Flowers are followed by winged samaras (to 1” long) which ripen in late summer to early fall.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Gray/Silver
- Pink
- Red/Burgundy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Description:
- Maroon flowers on long stalks appear in April.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Orange
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Orange
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Type:
- Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Lobed
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Opposite, simple palmate fern-like leaves 3-6" across, with reddish petioles and 7 to 13 acuminate, toothed and cut, ovate to lance-shaped lobes. The leaves' color varies from deep green in summer, can be bright yellow, to orange-red fall color. Leaves tend to persist into winter.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Dark Brown
- Dark Gray
- Light Brown
- Light Gray
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Gray/Silver
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Patio
- Small Space
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Asian Garden
- Design Feature:
- Small groups
- Small Tree
- Specimen
- Understory Tree
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Wind
