Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
180"–360" H × 180"–360" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
NY
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Japanese maple is an elegant ornamental tree prized for its delicate, deeply lobed leaves and graceful branching structure. It produces small reddish flowers in spring and offers stunning fall color ranging from yellow to deep red. This slow-growing tree develops an attractive rounded canopy that provides light shade.
In an HOA neighborhood
Japanese Maple is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The small spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The tree also provides nesting sites for birds and light cover for small wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Japanese Maple need?
- Japanese Maple grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Japanese Maple bloom?
- Japanese Maple blooms in May and June.
- Where is Japanese Maple native?
- Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) is native to NY, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Japanese Maple attract?
- Japanese Maple draws bees and beetles.
- Is Japanese Maple HOA-friendly?
- Japanese Maple is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Japanese Maple? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz