Emperor 1 Japanese Maple is a small deciduous tree with a spreading crown and black red bark.  The large, deeply palmated foliage emerges deep purple which holds into summer and turns vibrant scarlet in fall.  Small non-showy but attractive umbels of purplish-red flowers bloom in spring followed by red samaras.  Grows best in rich, moist, slightly acidic well-drained soils.  Prefers full sun in cooler climates, but needs afternoon shade in southern areas. 

MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low maintenance.  Water regularly.  Mulch in southern climates to keep roots cool.  Keep pruning to a minimum and prune in fall or winter.  Potential issues include stem canker, leaf spots, fusarium, wilt, botrytis, anthracnose, and root rots.  Potential insect pests include aphids, scale, borers, root weevils, and mites.  Chlorosis may occur in high pH soils

LANDSCAPE USES: Group Plantings or Specimen Tree, Naturalized Areas, Woodland Gardens, Privacy Screen, Street Tree, and  Shade Tree

COMPANION PLANTS: Gibraltar Azalea, Coral Bells, 'Patriot' Hosta

IMAGES: Photoset by F. D. Richards, (1) Acer palmatum 'Wolff', 2015, (2) Acer palmatum 'Wolff' 8/2021 Japanese Maple- (1)+(2), (3) Acer palmatum 'Wolff', 2018 photo, (4) Acer palmatum 'Wolff', 2019 photo (1)+(2) 

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.