


Here are the most common terms used to describe their forms. Japanese maples come in many forms-some are airy and upright, while others are compact and domed. Other often overlooked features are their sculptural trunks and branching, tufts of colorful flowers, and clusters of winged seeds called samaras. Some leaves are star shaped or nearly round some are deeply dissected and lacy. Some varieties are vase shaped, while others form columns or gracefully cascade. Small flowers bloom in mid-spring which are attractive close up, but not particularly showy from a distance.

A small-growing, upright, rounded deciduous tree that also grows as a multi-stemmed shrub that is primarily grown for its excellent fall color. Photo by: Garden World Images Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo.Ĭommonly called full-moon maple or shirasawa maple, and similar in appearance to A.
