Acer palmatum 'Kiyohime'

The Japanese maple is a short tree in the Sapindaceae (maple) family, native to southeast Korea and central and south Japan, and noted for having many aesthetically pleasing forms. Weeping as well as upright varieties exist, and the species is well noted for its beautiful deep red and orange summer color that deepens into the fall.

Acer is Latin for sharp in and palmatum means shaped like a hand referring to the shape of the leaves.

Kiyohime Japanese maple is a dwarf, spreading maple that has interesting leaf coloring on its leaves.  In the early spring, its leaves have a distinctive red-purple border. The leaves are green in summer and then change to yellows and red or orange in fall. It is an unusually small maple as it will reach only 2 to 3 feet in height, but grows twice as wide.  It prefers humusy, well-drained soil, moderate water, and full to partial sun. It is very tolerant of hot summers.

Plant it in small spaces, a container, or in Asian gardens. It is often used in bonsai. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Aphids and horse chestnut scale are occasional problems. It may be affected by verticillium wilt.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Acer palmatum.