Trees

Acer palmatum 'Peve Starfish'

Peve Starfish Japanese maple

Peve Starfish (also marketed as Starfish) foliage detail. Photo: Plantipp BV®.

Leaf edges curl beneath themselves, giving Peve Starfish its unusual star-shaped foliage. Burgundy-red spring leaves soften toward duller burgundy through summer, then turn bright red in autumn. Its compact, relatively narrow branching creates a small upright tree whose leaf shape rewards a closer look throughout the growing season.

At a glance

Sun: Partial sun or afternoon shade
Size: Height: 6–8 ft in 10 years · Width: 3–4 ft in 10 years
Water: Evenly moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA 5–9

Sizes & prices

#7Peve Starfish Dwarf Japanese Bonsai starter$224.99

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: Upright
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.

Seasonal interest

Fall color: Bright 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

Maple Ridge Nursery

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Iowa State University Extension

Royal Horticultural Society

Photo: Photo: Plantipp BV® · Plantipp credited promotional photo-use offer; publication notification required

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