Acer palmatum 'Orangeola'


Botanical Information

FamilySapindaceae
GenusAcer
Speciespalmatum
Cultivar'Orangeola'
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginAcer Palmatum is a small tree or deciduous shrub native to Japan or Korea. There are many different cultivars for this tree. The origins of 'Orangeola' specifically are unknown.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
This tree has always been used as an accent plant or a specimen plant for accompanying other plants in a garden landscape. It doesn’t really have any cultural significance, people just like it because It’s pretty and stands out in the garden landscape. The tree doesn’t really serve any other function besides looking good in people’s gardens. It’ll likely see most of its use in Japanese themed gardens.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6 - 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-10)
Temperature (°F)14
Height2.5 m
Spread2 m
GrowthMedium

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionDeciduous tree with a moderate growth rate. They are incredibly adaptable to soil and climatic conditions. They are often taller than they are wide. Its finely serrated leaves show lots of stunning colours during all seasons.
ID CharacteristicBright orange / red foliage in the spring, large leaves that are 6-9 centimetres long and 7-11 centimetres wide, the tree will not exceed any more then 3 meters.
ShapeThe tree isn’t very tall, it stands upright with a cascading form, sometimes considered to be weeping.
LandscapeOrangeola is often used as companion plants or as an accent because of the vibrant colours they display. They aren’t classified as shade trees because they only grow to be about 2 meters tall. The tree sees a lot of popularity in urban plantings and in landscape restoration projects.
PropagationThe tree is mainly propagated through the germination of seeds. The seeds are soaked in warm water for 24-48 hours while the water cools. After the seeds get drained, they place them in an equal parts mixture of sharp sand and peat moss to start the process of stratification. They are also treated with a fungicide. Then they seal the seeds in a bag mixed with peat and stored at 1-4° C for 60-120 days. They can also be propagated by cuttings.
CultivationOrangeola requires full sun or partial shade. It does well in moist soil with lots of organic material and good drainage. It also prefers a slightly acidic soil. The tree displays best colour when in partial shade.
PestsHorse chestnut scale can sometimes affect the plant. Verticillium wilt can also be a problem for the plant. Overall the plant is generally low maintenance.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe bark is lightly coloured and smooth. the stem of the tree is narrow as it is a smaller form. Young stems can be shiny and show colours of green and purple. It is quite an ornamental tree.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionThe buds are ovate and conical. They are a deep red colour and usually have 5 pairs of scales. They are usually about 0.5 centimetres long.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaves are deeply dissected and are 6-9 centimetres long and 7-11 centimetres wide. There is usually 5 to 7 lobes and they are deeply incised. They have short petioles that are 2-3 centimetres in length. They have hooked swollen bases. The leaves are green with an orange flush throughout the summer then in the fall they turn a deep orange red and keep this colour later than most.
Flower DescriptionThis plant doesn’t really have a flower other than the buds that are used for reproductive purposes.
Fruit DescriptionOrangeola produces a winged seed called a samara that is usually green but can mature to be red. They are usually about 2 centimetres long.
Colour DescriptionOrangeola is a light brown with a hint of silvery colour. The trees foliage keeps a rich green colour with an orange tint throughout the summer then in the fall they turn to a deep orange-red in the fall and keep the foliage later than most specimens. The samaras start out green then mature to a red before they drop.
Texture DescriptionThe texture of the plant is relatively smooth. The texture stays consistent throughout the year.

Photographs