Japanese Red Maple Tree on the Tree Guide at arborday.org

Japanese red maple in the cultivar group atropurpureum is a versatile, ornamental, hardy small tree or multi-stemmed shrub. The deeply lobed 5-7-9 leaves are red or reddish-purple in spring and again in fall. In between, color varies from remaining red all summer to sometimes fading slightly with maturity or summer heat and even turning green. The paired, winged samaras are red and ripen in early autumn. The bark is fairly smooth. Young stems are green to reddish purple and red turning gray with age. Japanese maples prefer slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil, and dappled shade; although if too much shade will grow slower and turn more green. Young leaves will need protection from high winds or late spring frosts. Water during dry periods. It is important to keep soil moisture consistent avoiding alternating dry and wet periods. This tree can be used for a specimen, accent, shrub border, grouping, or bonsai. Grows to 15′ to 25′, 20′ spread. (zones 5-8)