A Tree a Week: Japanese Maple

“Come autumn, its leaves will turn to flame,” wrote Clive James in his deeply poignant poem "Japanese Maple” published in the New Yorker in 2014. Delighting in the tree's soft presence in his garden, James’ tribute to the Acer palmatum beckons anyone to notice its outstanding foliage that deepens from spring through fall. Painting our landscape with a scarlet tone, one only realizes the variety of colors that vary year to year when standing in close proximity. The brilliant display of color of this small tree is deeply pronounced by its exquisite structure, and even in its dormant season, the grayish brown bark will catch your attention. Vertical patches draw the eye upward inside the tree's canopy, bringing time to a halt as one explores its enchanting beauty. An accent tree near the path from St. Mary’s chapel to Willis, the finely dissected leaves and spreading branches present a layered appearance with a low, dense, rounded top. 

An understory deciduous tree native to Japan, Korea, and China, the Acer palmatum is known for its beautiful palmate leaves, which are 2 to 5 inches, opposite, and simple with five to nine deep lobes. Acer is Latin for sharp, and palmatum means shaped like a hand, referring to the leaves. With over 1,000 varieties and cultivars, including hybrids, the iconic Japanese maple is among the most versatile small trees for use in gardens and landscapes. ​​Inconspicuous flowers are followed by fruits called samaras, which are nutlets enclosed in a papery, fibrous tissue that’s in the shape of wings. They are designed to spin as they fall, and seeds travel a considerable distance carried by the wind. Development of Japanese maple cultivars started in Japan in the 1700s, but they were first seen in the West in 1820 when they were introduced in England. 

Bruce Feiler, who wrote about his experience with Japanese friends, said "the mysterious transformation of green leaves into fiery reds and frosty yellows inspired awe among superstitious farmers" in ancient Japan. 

Fried maple leaves have been a popular snack in Osaka for more than one thousand years. The city of Minoh, located in the northern part of the prefecture, is particularly famous for its fried leaves, which are dipped and fried in tempura butter.