| General Description | Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’ is a deciduous small tree or large shrub that’s typically multi stemmed. It is notable for its crimson autumn colour but is equally attractive when in its full, green, summer dress. |
| ID Characteristic | It is know for its intense autumn colour and it's deeply lobed leaves. |
| Shape | It is a broad spreading form, but short in stature. |
| Landscape | Acer japonicum ‘Acontifolium’ is used in landscapes because it is considered both a small tree or a large shrub and thus it is quite versatile. It also has a pronounced autumn red colour which makes it quite noticeable in the late season landscape. |
| Propagation | Grafted on the understock of A. japonicum. |
| Cultivation | Grow in full sun to partial shade, however scorching is known to happen in full sun where high summer temperatures are frequent. It prefers well drained soil that’s is moist but slightly acidic. |
| Pests | Aphids, stem canker and Verticillium wilt. |
| Notable Specimens | Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. |
| Habitat | Horticultural origin. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Smooth, greyish bark that has little ornamental value.. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | 1 cm buds |
| Leaf Description | The leaves are 9-15 cm, palmate and deep green, with 9-11 deeply dissected lobes. In autumn the leaves turn a brilliant burgundy-red colour. |
| Flower Description | Pendulous, red-purple flowers that emerge in April, about 5 mm and held on a 3 cm peduncle in clusters of 5-7. |
| Fruit Description | The samara, held in pairs, 3 cm in length, is red in immaturity, turning beige-brown at the onset of winter. |
| Colour Description | The foliage is green and turns bright red in autumn, flowers are a purplish red while the bark is a greyish colour. |
| Texture Description | Medium |
