Leaves of Japanese Maple Trees

1. Japanese Maples LEAF TYPES There's something truly magical about autumn when maple trees begin to shed their leaves in brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow. Every year, people eagerly anticipate this time of year to witness the stunning display of maples throughout parks, forests, and neighborhood streets. Maples are a diverse group of trees, ranging in size from small shrubs to towering giants. The wood from these majestic trees has been used for centuries to make furniture, flooring, and musical instruments. Besides their beauty and utility, maples also provide nourishment for wildlife, like squirrels, birds, and even bears who feast on their sweet sap. It's hard not to appreciate all that maples have to offer, from their stunning fall foliage to their importance in our ecosystem. 1. Palmate or Matsumurae Most maples fall into this category as it is the most common leaf type. However, the varieties within this group exhibit the widest range of shapes and sizes, with some leaves measuring less than an inch across while others exceed 4 inches! Depending on the species, leaves have between 5 and 13 lobes. 2. Laceleaf Japanese Maples Maples with lacy leaves are among some of the most popular. Their delicate, fringed leaf lobes are very deeply dissected and lacy in appearance. Varieties like Tamukeyama that have been in cultivation for hundreds of years, will continue to be household names. 3. Strap-leaf Maples “Strap-leaf” maples are very unique and distinct from the other leaf types. Their extremely thin leaf lobes are long and finger-like, taking on the shape of straps or ribbons. This is one of the less common leaf types, comprising only a small fraction of the varieties available. Maples Explore more about at CONIFERKINGDOM.COM