Trees

Acer palmatum 'Sharp's Pygmy'

Sharp's Pygmy Japanese maple

Sharp’s Pygmy Japanese maple foliage detail; neighboring nursery plants are visible at the edges. Photo: Megan Hansen / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

Sharp's Pygmy keeps the appearance of a small Japanese maple in a notably compact form. Its small green leaves and short branching create a restrained ornamental tree for limited space. The supplier estimates a roughly balanced height and width in ten years, rather than the proportions of a tall shade tree.

At a glance

Sun: Dappled shade
Size: Height: 3–5 ft in 10 years · Width: 3–5 ft in 10 years
Water: Evenly moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA 6–9

Sizes & prices

#25$699.99

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: Small-space ornamental specimen
Foliage: Deciduous
Form: Dense, rounded dwarf
Growth rate: Slow

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: Orange and red

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.

Sources & photo credits

Maple Ridge Nursery

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Iowa State University Extension

Royal Horticultural Society

Loen Nursery

Photo: Megan Hansen / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized for web without enlargement. · CC BY-SA 2.0

Image notes: Sharp’s Pygmy Japanese maple foliage detail; neighboring nursery plants are visible at the edges. Photo: Megan Hansen / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized for web without enlargement.

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