Trees
Acer palmatum 'Wolff'
Emperor I Japanese maple
Emperor I is the trade name for 'Wolff', a rounded Japanese maple with deep red foliage and dark bark. Its leaves emerge later in spring than many other red maples, reducing exposure to late frost, and turn bright scarlet in autumn. Give it room for a canopy about as wide as it is tall.
At a glance
- Sun
- Full sun to filtered or partial sun; avoid harsh afternoon sun in hot sites
- Size
- Height: About 15 ft at maturity · Width: About 15 ft at maturity
- Water
- Evenly moist, well-drained soil
- Hardiness
- USDA 5–8
Sizes & prices
- #5$179.99
- #10Columnar Plum/Red Japanese maple$309.99
- #1Columnar Plum/Red Japanese maple$64.99
- #7Columnar Plum/Red Japanese maple Plum "Japanese Maple$239.99
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
- Rounded upright
- Growth rate
- Moderate (grower rating)
Resistance & tolerances
- Deer
- Listed as resistant by the grower; protect young trees from browsing.
- 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.
Seasonal interest
- Fall color
- Scarlet red
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: F. D. Richards / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized for web. · CC BY-SA 2.0
Image notes: Emperor I Japanese maple. Photo: F. D. Richards / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized for web.
Reviewed October 1, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.