ACER palmatum - Dwarf & Semi Dwarf

Trees in this category fall within a wide range of size & shape. Dwarf trees are diminutive and shrub-like, reaching four ft. or so at maturity. The somewhat larger semi-dwarfs may take many years to attain a height of 7-9 ft.

One gallon dwarf maples typically range from $40 to $65. We also offer older specimens. Availability changes constantly. Please call or e-mail for details, including pricing on specific trees. Thank you!

Note: Height of two year trees is between 8 and 24 inches, depending on cultivar.

Indicates gold fall color   Indicates orange fall color   Indicates red fall color

Abigail Rose - This is a charming dwarf maple with green leaves and very slender twigs. In the spring the new growth is suffused with red tones.

Aka kawa hime - Small and compact, this new dwarf maple seems to be a sturdy growing tree. Red bark is a highlight.

Akita yatsubusa - Dark brown shoots differentiate this cultivar from Sharp's Pygmy to which it may be compared in many respects. Fall color is a vivid orange red. "Hardy and reliable," comments Vertrees, "ideal for small garden, container culture or bonsai."

Ao hici gosan - Deep red spring color turns to green leaves on this dwarf form with twiggy growth. Good for container growing, and effective in bonsai culture.

Ao kanzanshi - Variegated foliage and habit is reminiscent of Tenny no hoshi; yet this tree is more compact growing. Late but great fall color in gold tones.

Aocha nishiki - Variegated dwarf. Medium sized soft green leaves are lightly variegated. The variegations are creamy yellow. Wait list.

Ao shime no uchi - Dwarf linearlobum-type with bright green leaves.

Aoba jo - Dwarf with large deep green leaves - seems to take sun as well as part shade. This tree stays dense with very little shaping. It is one of the earliest to leaf out.

Aratama - Here is a much sought after miniature maple with showy tones of red in spring and early summer. By September, leaf is mostly green. Center lobe is shorter (and usually larger) than those on either side.

Ariadne - Marbled variegation goes through several color changes from spring to leaf drop. This is a mid sized tree at maturity with good sized leaves.

Beni komachi - The red leaves on this dwarf would also qualify for a "very unusual" category if we had one. Opening out bright crimson,leaves are distinctively irregular. Each slender lobe curls sideways, down, or both. Fall color is scarlet again. Fine branches arch out as growth progresses.

Beni maiko - Very showy fire-red new growth which is the brightest in color of the small palmate types. One gallon and older trees available.

Beni yubi gohon - Semi-dwarf maple. This elegant small cultivar, with dark red linearlobum leaves, ressembles Beni otake. The leaves are smaller as is the overall size. Two gallon trees are about 3 feet tall.

Berry's Dwarf - Recently introduced, this dwarf tree reaches a height of about 2 feet with spread of 4 feet in ten years.

Bonfire - Small leaves are brilliant orange-pink spring and fall - green in summer. Semi-dwarf matures to a small tree (9 or 10') with twisted trunk.

Caperci Dwarf - Bright pink in spring, the small leaves are green during the summer. Gold fall color.

Carlis Corner - Dwarf tree. Leaves open pink red, then darken as season progresses.

Chishio Improved - If you would like a sprinkling of bright red spring color, take advantage of our sale on this maple. It is a semi-dwarf growing to around 9 feet—less if you keep it in a container and prune regularly. The leaves become mostly green by the end of the summer. In the fall they turn a clear pink/red as shown in this photo taken mid November. 2 year trees grafted at 5 inches stand two feet plus above soil level. $29.95

Chitose yama (shown at right) - Deeply divided red leaf. With maturity, branches will cascade gracefully. This tree has been enjoyed for hundreds of years. Eventually grows to 8- 9 feet. Fall color: crimson. Two gallon ( about 5 years old) $75.

Coonara Pygmy - Excellent dwarf form from Australia. This tree is 3-6 feet at maturity depending on style of pruning. Gold fall color.

Corallinum - Some plants, like some people, are attention getters. Even the smallest Corallinum will draw appreciative looks. Shrimp-pink is the color of spring growth. Leaf is green in summer. This semi-dwarf appreciates protection from wind and hot sun. Three year trees $39. Many sizes available.

Crumple Leaf - Dark red leaf. We are watching this for size and habit.

Cynthia’s Crown Jewel –Semi dwarf tree. Small leaves are green with narrow lobes. Compact growing form. 4-year, 12-18" $75.

Elmwood - We'll report on this green leaf cultivar as we get to know it.

Fairy Hair - Diminutive maple with thread like green leaves.

Fireglow - Great for small gardens! New leaves on this cultivar resemble a small “Bloodgood” leaf; yet they maintain a more intense red as summer progresses. Fireglow matures into a sun tolerant maple around 9 to 12 ft. tall. From $ 35 to $ 350 as mature specimen.

Fjellheim - This alluring maple has the same—or maybe brighter—coral shoots as its relative, Sango kaku. However, the structure is much more dense and more compact. Fjellheim provides a cheery splash of color during the winter—even in limited space.

Gar yu - Unique, twisting green leaf on prostrate maple.

Golden Pond – This upright small maple grows wider than tall. The leaf, with rounded contours, opens dark orange and lightens to a gold-green.

Goshiki kotohime - Rich green foliage - Very small  palmate leaf; and the leaf is slightly crinkled. Growth is very slow and stubby with profuse side branching.  Ideal for container. New foliage is pink-tinged. Two year trees available.

Hanami nishiki - The name translates as: Flower viewing tapestry. One of the dwarfest of the dwarfs. 5 gallon size only at present.

Hippi fin mo - Small green leaf keeps a curl on the margins. Structure: narrow and somewhat rigid.

Hoshi kuzu - Slightly variegated leaves. Each lobe varies slightly in shape and the amount of variegation. However all lobes taper to a fine point. Hence the name which translates "star-studded sky."

Hubb's Red Willow - This dwarf tree has the linearlobum leaf shape. Red colors are brightest in the spring and fall. $39.95

Hupp's dwarf - Very small, dark green leaves. Tight, almost overlapping pattern of leaves on branch is similar to that of Mikawa yatsubusa. (less than one foot tall)

Kamagata (shown at right) - Small green foliage is edged with red when new. Fall color is gold overlaid with orange and crimson. Dwarf with compact, balanced habit and upright form. Excellent as a container subject. Many sizes available. 

Kinshi - A semi-dwarf plant with green leaves. Gold fall color: hence name meaning golden threads. Rare.

Kiyohime yatsubusa - A spreading dwarf. Very small leaves are medium green with pink tint in spring. Popular for bonsai. Older trees available.

Koto hime - The "little harp" maple has exceedingly small leaves. They are small even for a dwarf.

Koto maru - Small, five-lobed leaves ae yellow with bronze edges when new. By late summer, most foliage is dark green . Little lobes are slightly rounded. Mature plants may reach 4 feet. This tree/shrub spreads wider than tall.

Koto no ito - Slow growing semi-dwarf form which is excellent for container or bonsai. Thread-like green leaves vary slightly in width. Enjoy rich blend of gold, orange & crimson in the fall.  Three year $65   Also available in 5 and 10 gallon sizes.  

Kurabuyama - Semi-dwarf. Leaves open out with a rusty tone and turn a deep green. Fall color: bright crimson. Plant grows as a vigorous mound to 7 feet.

Kurui jishi (shown at right) - Dwarf green leaf with margins that roll inward grows on nodes that are very close together. Compact & slow growing, it is more dwarf than Okushimo.

Koto maru - Small, five-lobed leaves are yellow with bronze edges when new. Mature plants may reach four feet and grow wider than tall.

Matsuyoi (formerly Myoi) - A new cultivar with unusually large, lush yellow-green leaves. Dwarf with spreading habit.

Mikawa yatsubasa (shown at right) - Rare and beautiful dwarf. Slender green leaves with elongated lobes display pinkish hues in spring; they become dark green during summer.  New shoots are very dense and create a fascinating overlapping pattern. Slow, 6-7 feet. Several sizes available.

Mini mondo (formerly Tiny leaf) ) - Small, textured green leaves turn deep red in fall. Dwarf tree will grow to six feet in ten years.

Mizuho beni - A small tree in the Katsura group. It delights the spring garden with orange-yellow new foliage and leafs out at a normal time. Height in 10 years: 8 or 9 feet.

Murasaki kiyohime - Dwarf cultivar with small palmatum type foliage. Horizontal is the word that best describes its appearance. Very suited to bonsai.

O jishi - Rare dwarf. Leaves are much like Shishigashira, but form is more compact. In fact, this is one of the most miniature cultivars.

Olsen’s Frosted Strawberry - Reticulated leaf opens a brilliant coral color.

Oregon Sunset - Plant forms a semi-dwarf bush. Leaves are dark red; fall color is a true Oregon sunset. 

Otto hime - Very desirable little dwarf. Vertrees' third edition calls it the "Queen of the Dwarf Group."

Otome zakura - Semi-dwarf tree that is much praised. Not readily available. Red and pink spring color. Leaves are different sizes. Green tone predominates in summer. Wait list.

Pixie - Small red leaves and profuse side branching in a great small shrub-like maple. The bright red tones persist virtually all summer in full sun. Three year and older trees available.

Red pygmy - Semi-dwarf tree with unusual leaf.  The lobes on each leaf are long and narrow as in the "linearilobum" group. Red color holds until early July. Inquire as to availability.

Royle - Small red leaves on a compact bush-like tree. Growth is strong; but branching remains tight. We find the red tone holds well during the summer; and fall color is certainly intense.

Ryuzu - New leaves have pink cast on pale green. Mature leaf is light green. Very popular for bonsai, rock gardens, and/or container. Dwarf with compact habit. Two year tree $40.

Saotome - Semi-dwarf. Red tones in spring disappear and summer leaf is deep green. Leaves are small but not delicate. Wait List.

Sara D - Bright red color persists during most of summer. (wait list)

Sazanami - Sharply pointed leaves create a very unusual effect, and become rich green during summer. Leaf margins are doubly serrated. Compact yet vigorous growing style. Fall color into gold tones. 3.5 ft. (5 gallon) trees 85; 5-6 foot trees from $195. 

Seigen rubrum - 5 gallon, 3ft. tall.

Sekka yatsubusa - The name translates “dwarf that turns red.” Leaves grow along slender stalks in tight groupings (but not as bunched as in the Lion’s Head Maple). Spring foliage is first red and then is edged with red. Sekka yatusubusa will grow to about 8 feet (About half that size as a container tree) and will take lots of sun.

Shaina (shown at right) - Red leaves in rosette patterns. This tree is considered a dwarf yet can reach 6 feet. Dense branching. Available in several sizes including full grown specimens.

Sharp's Pygmy - A naturally compact green tree forming a pleasing small round head. Rarely reaches three feet in height; excellent for bonsai. Green leaves have coarsely toothed margins; scarlet and orange in fall.

Shidava Gold - This tree was discovered as a witches' broom on Aoyagi by a grower in Australia. This dwarf mimics its parent plant with bright green bark. Foliage is a clear yellow-green. Experts estimate height in the average garden will be about 9 feet. Easily kept smaller in container. Available as 3 year graft and as older trees.

Shigure bato - Deep-cut green foliage comes out bright red in spring. Upright, slow growing to 6 feet. 2 gallon.

Shikage ori nishiki - Semi-dwarf (to around 9 feet) and hardy. Red leaf color develops tones of olive green. Vase shaped growth pattern.

Shindeshojo - Please find photo and description in Upright listing (click here). Available in many sizes starting at $29 in one gallon containers.

Shishigashira - The "Lion's mane," with its sculptured habit and curled leaves, is a conversation piece. This maple is slow-growing—6 or 7 feet with age. Tolerates sun.

Skeeter's Broom - Dwarf with bright red leaf. Red color persists during summer months. Growth tends to be somewhat columnar. Several sizes available.

Tamahime - The tiny leaves of this dwarf are a light green which turns darker. This is a compact-growing small form. Popular for bonsai. Crimson fall color. Please specify high or low graft.

Tatsuta - Semi-dwarf tree valued for centuries for its fall color. New leaves are light yellow-green, quickly turning to fresh green. As the leaves are spaced in an open pattern the fall scarlet color is even more noticeable.

Tennyo no hoshi - Semi-dwarf. The leaf is variegated with creamy white on light green. Slender, upright form, and a strong grower for such a small tree. Fall colors are subtle rosy tones. We enjoy this tree very much.

Tiger Rose - This maple is a new introduction with variegated leaves. Dark green veins are dramatic in a cream colored leaf. New growth has a subtle pink blush.

Tiny Tim - Green leaf, tight branching pattern. Color in fall is orange with yellow—beautiful! mature sizes.

Tsuchigumo - In the spring the leaves emerge rust red and they change to bright green. They are small with a bit of a curl. This maple remains smaller than shishigashira (leaves are somewhat the same); on older trees the twigs are closely spaced. Fall: gold with crimson edges.

Tsuma gaki (shown at right) - Slow growing, beautiful dwarf tree. Its red tipped leaves are vivid in spring, subtle in summer.

Umegae - Semi-dwarf, small-leafed form has been enjoyed for over 100 years. New foliage develops a bright red which darkens to a purple red. Fall colors in the crimson tones.

Utsu semi - Green leaves which have remained free from summer sun damage, etc., redden in the fall. This process will intensify for a very good show before leaves drop. Semi-dwarf stature&ma fine tree to consider for small gardens.

Vicís Pink - Semi-dwarf maple. Limited availability.

Villa Taranto - A semi dwarf tree with a delicate appearance created by long, narrow, leaves. This tree forms a crown with age and grows very slowly to 9 feet.

Wabito - Green leaf with irregular shape and margins of rose or rusty red. Scarlet fall color. Irregular leaf pattern creates an effect that has been described as a "pleasing tattered appearance." Slow growing to four feet.

Wilson’s Pink Dwarf - This image, taken recently, shows spring foliage emerging in tones of fresh pink and orange. Summer leaves are a light, bright green. Early to leaf out, Wilson’s Pink makes a charming container subject or rock garden focus. It is a slow growing, upright dwarf.
Young trees, under a foot tall.

Winter Flame - A semi-dwarf form of coral bark maple. About 1/3 the size of Sango Kaku and slow growing. 5 gallon available.

Wou nishiki - Upright mid-sized maple. Bright red in fall.

Yellow Bird - Dwarf maple with yellow bark.

Yuri hime - One of the most dwarf Japanese maples