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Katsura Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’)

Katsura Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’)

Also known as: Acer palmatum 'Katsura'.

The Katsura Japanese Maple is a deciduous tree that offers a rainbow of vibrant colors during each season. In late spring, its delicate five-lobed leaves emerge a soft orange-red hue that matures to a deep green by mid-summer. During fall, its leaves turn a brilliant mix of orange and yellow, and its sprawling branches often take on unique shapes that are amazing to behold. It’s also a low-maintenance variety, making it ideal for welcoming new gardeners with no prior experience. Looks aside, it’s also a tough variety, able to withstand temperatures into the mid 20s. It’s no wonder this tree has been a favorite among gardeners for centuries.

Plant care guide:

Watering

Katsura Japanese Maple prefer moist but well-drained soil. Water deeply once a week during the growing season, making sure to fully saturate the soil. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. During very hot, humid weather, water more often. During the winter months, reduce watering to once every 2 weeks.

Sunlight

Katsura Japanese Maple is a plant species that prefers to be grown in partial shade, as opposed to full sun. It is best to position the tree where it will receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily and no more than 8 hours of direct sunlight. This type of maple is deciduous and typically requires higher levels of sunlight in the spring and summer months and less in the fall and winter months. It is important to provide Katsura Japanese Maple with adequate amounts of sunlight without overwhelming the tree.

Pruning

Katsura Japanese Maples should be pruned from late winter to early spring, but should not be pruned while the plant is dormant. Pruning of the tree should be done minimally and selectively to shape and accentuate its natural form. Cut away unhealthy or dead branches to ensure the health and safety of the tree. Limb reduction pruning should be done carefully, with small cuts of 1-third of the total branch length. If major pruning is required, spread out the cuts over 3 or 4 years. Always prune back to the main trunk or other major branches, avoiding leaving stubs.

Plant information:

  • Family: Sapindaceae
  • Type: Tree
  • Height: ~4.57 meters
  • Cycle: Perennial
  • Growth Rate: Low
  • Anatomy:
    • Leaves: orange-red, green
    • Stems: red
  • Flower Color: Red
  • Maintenance: Low
  • Watering:
    • Every 7-10 days
  • Sunlight requirement: part shade, part sun/part shade
  • Pruning:
    • February, March, April
  • Propagation: Grafting Propagation, Cutting, Layering Propagation, Air Layering Propagation, Root Division
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Origin: Japan
  • Seeds: No
  • Drought Tolerant: No
  • Salt Tolerant: No
  • Thorny: No
  • Invasive: No
  • Tropical: No
  • Indoor: No
  • Flowers: Yes
  • Cones: No
  • Fruits: No
  • Edible Fruit: No
  • Leaf: Yes
  • Edible Leaf: No
  • Cuisine: No
  • Medicinal: No
  • Poisonous to Humans: No
  • Poisonous to Pets: No
Hardiness Zone Map
Plant Hardiness Zone: 6

Content is based on public databases such as the KEW Plants of the World database, among others. Please double-check all information. "About Plants" does not take responsibility for any inaccuracies.