Trees
Acer palmatum 'Waterfall'
Waterfall Japanese maple
Waterfall is a green laceleaf maple whose cascading branches explain its name. Bright lime foliage in spring deepens through summer before turning yellow and orange in autumn. The spreading canopy becomes wider than tall, making the graceful branching as important to its character as the fine-textured leaves.
At a glance
- Sun
- Partial sun
- Size
- Height: 4–6 ft in 10 years · Width: 6–8 ft in 10 years
- Water
- Evenly moist, well-drained soil
- Hardiness
- USDA 5–9
Sizes & prices
- #5Waterfall Japanese Maple Finely$249.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Landscape use & tree form
- Use
- Ornamental specimen
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Form
- Weeping
- Growth rate
- Moderate (grower rating)
Resistance & tolerances
- Deer
- Mild resistance reported for Japanese maple; protect young trees.
- Drought
- Poor tolerance; dry soil can scorch leaves.
- Wet soil
- Needs drainage; avoid waterlogged soil.
Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.
Growing & care
- Soil
- Humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist but freely draining soil; avoid saturated planting pockets.
- Pruning
- Keep pruning minimal and preserve the natural branching. Remove dead or crossing shoots; make small corrective cuts after full leaf expansion to limit sap bleeding. Cut back to a well-placed side branch, without leaving stubs.
Sources & photo credits
University of Minnesota Extension
Iowa State University Extension
Photo: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT · CC BY 3.0
Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.