Acer 'Tamukeyama'

Acer 'Tamukeyama', a laceleaf Japanese maple, is a deciduous shrub or small tree offering spring through fall interest. Its cascading structure also lends interest to winter landscapes. A red-leaf, dissected cultivar, Acer 'Tamukeyama' begins to leaf out in dramatic feathery purple red foliage early in spring, along with attractive, but insignificant, reddish purple flowers. Flowers give way to winged samaras that ripen in early fall as the leaves begin to turn bright red orange. Throughout the growing season, it exhibits good color retention.

This mound- or dome-shaped shrubby tree spreads by weeping, cascading branches of finely dissected leaves and a strong but slow growth rate. Protect early spring foliage from late frosts. A perfect specimen plant, Acer 'Tamukeyama' is extremely colorful and highly textural and fits nicely in mixed beds as well as in a container.

Low maintenance, this Japanese maple prefers moist, organically rich, average to slightly acidic, well-drained soil. It also grows well in sandy soils, but high pH soils may result in chlorosis, a yellowing or blanching of the leaves. The plant grows best in full to dappled sunlight. It is rabbit and black walnut resistant, making it a favored understory plant.