Acer japonicum

Position. The RHS says leaf colour is best in part shade, although full sun can be tolerated if the soil is reliably moist, and that dry soil or too much exposure causes leaf scorch. The NC State toolbox, an American reference, prefers cool summers and lightly dappled shade, a site out of strong winds, and says leaves may scorch in full sun in hot summers.

Soil. Any moisture-retentive, well-drained soil by the RHS: chalk, clay, loam or sand, acid, neutral or alkaline.

Climate. The RHS rates it H6, hardy to -15 to -20 C in UK conditions, and the NC State toolbox gives USDA zones 5a to 7b. No Australian reference read gives a frost figure or an Australian climate zone, and the National Species List returns no accepted name Acer japonicum.

Pests. The RHS says it may be susceptible to acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale, and to verticillium wilt, acer leaf scorch and honey fungus.

A garden and specimen maple. The NC State toolbox lists it as a specimen or understory tree, planted singly or in small groups, for lawns, patios and Asian gardens, and notes its smooth grey bark and its winged fruit in late summer. The RHS suggests city, courtyard, cottage and informal gardens, and asks for a sheltered position. HortFlora says 'Green Cascade' is often grown as a standard. No reference read gives planting centres.

Read the cultivar name on the line: the trade sells this maple mainly as 'Vitifolium', and HortFlora also treats 'Aconitifolium' and 'Green Cascade'. The RHS lists the species under the name Japanese maple, which is also the common name of Acer palmatum. On the name's author, GBIF and Trees and Shrubs Online give Thunb. and HortFlora Murr.; the National Species List returns no accepted name to settle it, and this page follows GBIF. For grades and the stock standard to write into an order, see the guide to specifying and procuring trees.