Trees

Acer palmatum 'Katsura'

Katsura Japanese maple

Katsura Japanese maple in spring. Photo: Jonathan Billinger / Geograph via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.

One of the earlier Japanese maples to leaf out, Katsura begins spring in bright yellow before moving through chartreuse into summer green. Its young vase-shaped outline gradually broadens and rounds with age. Orange and yellow autumn foliage echoes the warm colors of its distinctive early-season display.

At a glance

Sun: Dappled shade
Size: Height: 10–12 ft in 10 years · Width: 6–8 ft in 10 years
Water: Evenly moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA 5–9

Sizes & prices

#10Dwarf Japanese MapleCall for price

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: Vase-shaped when young, rounded with age
Growth rate: Slow to moderate

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.

Seasonal interest

Spring foliage: Yellow-orange, then chartreuse; early leaf-out
Summer foliage: Green

Growing & care

Site: Shelter from drying winds and harsh afternoon sun.
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.
Soil: Humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist but freely draining soil; avoid saturated planting pockets.
Frost: Early emerging leaves can be damaged by late spring frost; avoid frost pockets.

Sources & photo credits

Maple Ridge Nursery

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Iowa State University Extension

Royal Horticultural Society

MrMaple

NVK Nurseries

Kiefer Nursery

Photo: Jonathan Billinger · CC BY-SA 2.0

Image notes: Katsura Japanese maple in spring. Photo: Jonathan Billinger / Geograph via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia 960 px thumbnail; no other edits.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.