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Seiryu Japanese Maple Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'

Previously known as:

  • Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Seiryu'
Phonetic Spelling
AY-ser pahl-MAY-tum
Description

The Japanese maple is a short tree in the Sapindaceae (soapberry) 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.

‘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 is very ornamental with leaves being red-tipped in spring then gold in fall. 

It prefers well-drained, acidic, humusy soils in full sun to partial shade. In hot summer areas, it will do best with afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.

Use in an Asian garden, in small spaces, 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 Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Acer palmatum.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Japanese Garden at JC Raulston Arboretum
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#small spaces#specimen#showy leaves#low maintenance#spring flowers#fall interest#Japanse garden#self-seeding#spring interest#Asian garden#fall color yellow#walkway planting#fall color red#weed
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#small spaces#specimen#showy leaves#low maintenance#spring flowers#fall interest#Japanse garden#self-seeding#spring interest#Asian garden#fall color yellow#walkway planting#fall color red#weed
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Acer
    Species:
    palmatum
    Family:
    Sapindaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Grafting
    Stem Cutting
    Dimensions:
    Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Vase
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    High
    Medium
    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:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    12-24 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Samara
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Description:
    Small reddish flowers in spring
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Pinnatisect
    Leaf Margin:
    Lobed
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The lacy deeply dissected leaves are up to 2 inches long. In spring they are tipped with red, change to green then have yellow, red or orange tones in the fall.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Patio
    Small Space
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Small Tree
    Specimen
    Problems:
    Weedy