Acer palmatum 'Utsu Semi' ~ Utsu Semi Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Utsu Semi' ~ Utsu Semi Japanese MapleUtsu Semi Japanese Maple is a small, slow growing deciduous tree with an upright habit and strongly textured palmated foliage that emerges vibrant light before turning scarlet to orange in fall. Small, non showy but attractive umbels of red flowers bloom in spring followed by samaras. Grows best in rich, moist, slightly acidic well drained soils. Prefers full sun in cooler climates, but needs afternoon shade in southern areas. Type: Tree Origins: East

Utsu Semi Japanese Maple is a small, slow-growing deciduous tree with an upright habit and strongly textured palmated foliage that emerges vibrant light before turning scarlet to orange in fall.  Small, non-showy but attractive umbels of red flowers bloom in spring followed by 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, Woodland Gardens, and Street Tree.

COMPANION PLANTS: Azalea, Black Mondo Grass, Rhododendron

IMAGE: Photos by UBC Botanical Garden, Acer palmatum 'Utsu semi'

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