Japanese Maples
Japanese Maples, botanically speaking, are Acer Palmatum; acer, meaning acrid (the Maple genus); also from a Latin word meaning sharp, referring to the hardness of the maple wood of soldier's spears; and palmatum, meaning shaped like a palm of the hand.
Japanese Maples are thought by some to be the most beautiful of all trees.
Their varieties of shape, color, size and leaf style give them a versitality not acheived by many others.
The first thing most people will comment on is their gorgeous color.
Their colors can change with the seasons
Some selections are variegated year round displaying several seasons worth of color at once.
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Spring finds most colored in pink, orange and red.
During the summer, many turn lime-green colored or bronze, while others maintain true red or green.
In fall, the traditional yellows, golds, oranges and scarlets are enhanced by purples and blues.
In winter, when the beauty of the vibrant leaves has fallen, the trees graceful structures of textured and colorful bark become visible and are as exquisite as the lush color of warmer months.
More About Japanese Maples
Sometimes these are categorized by leaf shape. Depending upon the cultivated variety, the maple leaves can either be broad, flat and palm-shaped, or lacy.
Who else loves these trees?
Who else loves these trees?
Squirrels and chipmunks are very fond of maple seeds.
The seeds, buds, and flowers are also eaten by grouse, quail and many songbirds.
The best time to plant your Japanese Maple is in the fall.
Japanese Red Maples prefer a slightly acid soil, a well drained organic soil mix is prefered.
Most cultivated varities thrive in full sun, though others prefer living in the shade.
Some will do quite well in almost any degree of light in between.
