Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'

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.

'Osakazuki'  has excellent fall color and resists leaf scorch in the sun.  It has a rounded form and grows 15 to 24 feet tall. It prefers rich, moist, acidic soil, but they are adaptable to clay and sandy soils.  It will showcase the best leaf color if it is planted in partial shade.   Keep it watered during dry spells to keep it looking its best.

Use this small tree as a specimen, foundation planting, or in an Asian garden. It does well as an understory tree in the dappled shade of a woodland garden and tolerates being planted with needled evergreens.

Propagate it by softwood cuttings or grafting.  

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.