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ACER palmatum 'Butterfly'

Image of Acer palmatum 'Butterfly'

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Aceraceae

Botanical Name

ACER palmatum 'Butterfly'

Plant Common Name

Butterfly Japanese Maple, Japanese Maple

General Description

The beautiful and ubiquitous Japanese maple is a small deciduous tree native to eastern Asia. The dwarf cultivar 'Butterfly' features deeply lobed, palmate (hand-shaped), gray-green leaves with cream margins and pink undertones. Its habit is stiff and upright. In winter, the stark gray branches will add to any garden or landscape.

This maple prefers sites with rich, well-drained soil and part sun to part shade. It is versatile in the landscape and may be grown as a feature plant, in a mixed border, or in a container.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 2

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    A3, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    5'-10' / 1.5m - 3.0m

  • Width

    4'-5' / 1.2m - 1.5m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring

  • Native To

    Eastern Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Narrow Upright/Fastigiate

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Red

  • Fruit Color

    Red, Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    White, Light Green, Gray Green, Pink

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    White, Gray Green, Pink

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Purple, Burgundy

  • Bark Color

    Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No