General Description

Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’ is a deciduous small tree or large shrub that’s typically multi stemmed. It is notable for its crimson autumn colour but is equally attractive when in its full, green, summer dress.

Landscape

Acer japonicum ‘Acontifolium’ is used in landscapes because it is considered both a small tree or a large shrub and thus it is quite versatile. It also has a pronounced autumn red colour which makes it quite noticeable in the late season landscape.

Cultivation

Grow in full sun to partial shade, however scorching is known to happen in full sun where high summer temperatures are frequent. It prefers well drained soil that’s is moist but slightly acidic.

Shape

It is a broad spreading form, but short in stature.

Growth

Medium

ID Characteristic

It is know for its intense autumn colour and it's deeply lobed leaves.

Pests

Aphids, stem canker and Verticillium wilt.

Habitat

Horticultural origin.

Bark/Stem Description

Smooth, greyish bark that has little ornamental value..

Flower/Leaf Bud Description

1 cm buds

Leaf Description

The leaves are 9-15 cm, palmate and deep green, with 9-11 deeply dissected lobes. In autumn the leaves turn a brilliant burgundy-red colour.

Flower Description

Pendulous, red-purple flowers that emerge in April, about 5 mm and held on a 3 cm peduncle in clusters of 5-7.

Fruit Description

The samara, held in pairs, 3 cm in length, is red in immaturity, turning beige-brown at the onset of winter.

Colour Description

The foliage is green and turns bright red in autumn, flowers are a purplish red while the bark is a greyish colour.

Texture Description

Medium

Notable Specimens

Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

Propagation

Grafted on the understock of A. japonicum.

Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, Stipes Publishing ; 6th edition (August 2009) - Michael A. Dirr.