Acer palmatum 'Butterfly' (Butterfly Japanese Maple)

Michael's Opinion

A very attractive, slow growing dwarf tree. Hard to find but well worth the effort. It might also be known by the cultivar name 'Kocho nishiki' which was published in 1882.

Botanical Information

FamilySapindaceae (Aceraceae)
GenusAcer
Speciespalmatum
Cultivar'Butterfly'
Synonyms Acer palmatum 'Kocho nishiki'
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginWada, Japan, 1938.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4 - 6a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-29 - (-23)
Temperature (°F)-20 - (-10)
Height2.5-3 m
Spread1-2 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodJune

Description and Growing Information

ShapeDense habit.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionYoung branches of this cultivar are notably slender.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are light green of variable size, occasionally edged with cream.
Flower DescriptionSmall, purple flowers.
Fruit DescriptionStrongly veined convex nutlets to 1 cm.

Photographs