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Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' is often confused with:
Acer palmatum Acer palmatum
Native alternative(s) for Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium':
Acer glabrum Acer glabrum var. diffusum
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Acer pensylvanicum Form
Ptelea trifoliata Small tree in the landscape.
Stewartia malacodendron Stewartia malacodendron
Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' has some common insect problems:
Common Insect Pests of Maple in North Carolina
Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' has some common disease problems:
Common Disease Pests of Maple in North Carolina

Fernleaf Maple Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium'

Phonetic Spelling
AY-ser juh-PON-ih-kum
Description

'Aconitifolium' is a dwarf, mounded, deciduous multi-trunked shrub or small tree in the in the Sapindaceae (soapberry) family 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.

 

More information on Acer japonicum.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Mountain Ridge Top Garden - West Lawn and Border
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#small tree#full sun tolerant#maroon#shrub#slow growing#samaras#deciduous shrub#spring flowers#fall interest#understory tree#spring interest#multitrunked#deciduous tree#partial shade tolerant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#small tree#full sun tolerant#maroon#shrub#slow growing#samaras#deciduous shrub#spring flowers#fall interest#understory tree#spring interest#multitrunked#deciduous tree#partial shade tolerant
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Mounding
    Multi-stemmed
    Rounded
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Gray/Silver
    Pink
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Description:
    Maroon flowers on long stalks appear in April.
  • 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.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Brown
    Dark Gray
    Light Brown
    Light Gray
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gray/Silver
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Patio
    Small Space
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Design Feature:
    Small groups
    Small Tree
    Specimen
    Understory Tree
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Wind