Southern Utah University

Table of Contents

Locations

  1. Campus Features

    1. Tree Tour

      1. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

        Latin Name - Acer palmatum
        Height - 15-25 feet
        Spread - 10-25 feet
        Growth Rate - Slow to Moderate
        USDA Zone - 5 to 8
        Drought Tolerance - Low


        Legendary for fall color, Japanese maple is among the most beautiful of all woody plants. Native to moist and humid forests of Japan, it struggles with hot, dry, and windy environments. Japanese maple can be grown here by choosing locations that moderate climatic conditions to within the tree's environmental tolerances. This cultivar 'Tsukushigata' is only one of hundreds of varieties. A tremendous range of color, size, habit, and texture can be found in this species and is reflected in the selections grown by specialty nurseries. In feudal Japanese society, warlords battled over lands containing particularly choice specimens.