25 Popular Japanese Maple Varieties With Great Foliage

Although the tree blooms in spring, it’s the palmate leaves with five-, seven-, or nine-toothed finger-like leaves that offer the real appeal. The foliage offers striking color throughout the growing season, becoming even more beautiful with the fall color change. ‘Sango Kaku’ is prized as one of the prettiest Japanese maple trees for its changing foliage but also bright coral bark, which gives this tree its striking contrast all year round. The many different kinds of Japanese maples include Acer palmatum, Acer japonicum, and Acer pictum; they are all part of the Sapindaceae (soapberry) family. They are suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5–8, though a few can brave zone 4 if planted in protected locations. Japanese maples should be planted in full to partial sun and in well-drained soil. In zones 7–8, they can benefit from planting in partial shade or dappled sunlight to protect the leaves from leaf scorch in the summer heat. Many popular cultivars produce the familiar red foliage, such as one of the most popular Japanese trees, ‘Bloodgood.’ But others provide brilliant green or gold tones—and even bicolor leaves. While there are many ways to select a Japanese maple, leaf color is why most people plant this tree. These 25 Japanese maples are all great options, offering foliage ranging from red and yellow to green also featuring different growth habits and tree heights.

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–8Height: 15–20 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 6–9Height: 3–6 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–8Height: 8–10 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–8Height: 6–8 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–8Height: 9–12 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: JapanUSDA Growing Zones: 5–7Height: 16–20 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: JapanUSDA Growing Zones: 4–8Height: 6–10 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–9Height: 12–15 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–8Height: 20–25 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–8Height: 4–6 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 6–8Height: 7–12 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5b–8Height: 8–10 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–8Height: 10–12 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–8Height: 5–7 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–9Height: 10-15 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–7Height: 10-20 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–8Height: 10-18 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–9Height: 15-18 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–9Height: 4-6 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 6-9Height: 8-12 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, KoreaUSDA Growing Zones: 5-8Height: Up to 25 feet tallSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5-9Height: 12-15 ft. feet tallSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5-9Height: 10-20 ft. feet tallSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5-9Height: Up to 7 ft. tallSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Japan, Korea, ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5-8Height: 6-10 ft.Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade