Laceleaf Japanese Maple Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'

The Japanese maple is a short tree in the maple family (Sapindaceae), native to southeast Korea and central and south Japan. Genus name is Latin for sharp in and palmatum means shaped like a hand referring to the shape of the leaves.

‘Seiryu’ or Lace-leaf Japanese maple is the only dissected form of Japanese maple that has an upright habit, growing 10 to 15 feet high and 8 to 12 feet wide. It prefers well-drained, acidic, humusy soils in full sun to partial shade. Provide afternoon shade in hot summer areas to prevent leaf scorch.

The lacey ornamental leaves are red-tipped in spring, green in the summer and gold in the fall. Insignificant flowers in spring are followed by winged samas.

Use in an Asian garden, in small spaces, in containers or as a specimen. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids, scale, maple worms, leafrollers, and leafhoppers are occasional pests. Anthracnose, leaf scorch, and frost damage, especially from late frosts, can occur.  It self-seeds easily so can spread and become weedy in the landscape.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common maple diseases and insect pests.

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

More information on Acer palmatum.