Acer_pycnanthum
Acer pycnanthum
Species of plant in the genus Acer
Acer pycnanthum, the Japanese red maple, (ハナノキ, hananoki, or 花の木, hanakaede, meaning "flower maple") is a species of maple native to Japan, and introduced to Korea.[3] A tree usually about 20 m, reaching 30 m, it prefers to grow in relict mountain wetlands. It flowers in April, prior to the emergence of leaves.[4] Although considered Vulnerable in its native habitat, it has found some use as a street tree, and is the official tree of a number of Japanese municipalities and of Aichi Prefecture.[1]
Acer pycnanthum is dioecious, with separate male and female flowers.[5] The bark is grey and longitudinally fissured, sometimes giving a shaggy appearance.[6] The leaves, which emerge a bronze-green color in the spring, are shallowly lobed and have a whitish bloom on the underside. They turn yellow, orange, red, and purple in the autumn.[7] It is similar to the smaller Acer rubrum.[8]
A. pycanthum is suitable for USDA hardiness zone 5.[6] It prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in all of the UK and northern Europe.[7] Common problems include aphids and verticillium wilt.[8]
