'Aconitifolium' is a dwarf, mounded, deciduous multi-trunked shrub or small tree in the in the maple family (Sapindaceae) which typically grows slowly to 8-10' tall. Features palmate, almost fern-like medium green leaves which are deeply divided. These leaves turn crimson in fall. Before leaves appear in the spring you will notice small, attractive reddish flowers that give way to samaras (winged fruit) which ripen in late summer to early fall. While the flowers are lovely close up they will not be noticed when looking at your landscape from a distance. It grows well in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade but protect from harsh summer sun as leaves may scorch in full sun. Grows best with cool summer conditions. Site in locations protected from strong winds. Young trees should be staked to promote more erect growth. Plants perform poorly south of USDA Zone 7. It works well as a specimen or in small groups as an understory plant with striking fall color. Insect, Diseases, and Other Problems: This plant suffers from no serious insect or disease problems but can host aphids, scale, borers, mites, and caterpillars. Plants are occasionally susceptible to verticillium wilt, leaf spots, root rots, anthracnose, collar rot and stem canker. Protect from late frosts as foliage tends to leaf out early in spring and may be damaged. See potential insect and disease problem fact sheets to the left. The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common maple diseases and insect pests. More information on Acer japonicum .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Opposite, simple palmate fern-like leaves 3-6" across, with reddish petioles and 7 to 13 acuminate, toothed and cut, ovate to lance-shaped lobes. The leaves' color varies from deep green in summer, can be bright yellow, to orange-red fall color. Leaves tend to persist into winter.
Fall color
Orange; Red/Burgundy
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; Gray/Silver; Pink; Red/Burgundy
Flower detail
Maroon flowers on long stalks appear in April.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Gray/Silver; Pink; Red/Burgundy
Fruit type
Samara
Fruit size
< 1 inch long
Fruit detail
Flowers are followed by winged samaras (to 1” long) which ripen in late summer to early fall.
Bark color
Dark Brown; Dark Gray; Light Brown; Light Gray
Stem color
Brown/Copper; Gray/Silver
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Food & Medicine
Harvest time
Fall; Summer
Fruit type
Samara
Uses (ethnobotany)
Vigorous understory tree featuring attractive foliage and stunning fall color.
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Patio; Small Space; Walkways
Landscape theme
Asian Garden
Design feature
Small groups; Small Tree; Specimen; Understory Tree
Garden tags
#small tree #deciduous #understory tree #fall interest #maroon #full sun tolerant #shrub #spring flowers #spring interest #partial shade tolerant #samaras #deciduous shrub #multitrunked #slow growing #deciduous tree