Green Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) Starter
This is a standard green Japanese maple, valued for its graceful branching, classic leaf shape, and vibrant seasonal color. These starters are grown from seed or cutting and provide a clean, unstyled base—perfect for growers who want to shape their own vision from the ground up.
 
As a Bonsai:
Green Japanese Maple is a bonsai classic, known for its refined structure, smooth bark, and ability to develop dense branching with clip-and-grow pruning. While not a dwarf type, it responds well to training and is highly adaptable to a range of bonsai styles, from broom to informal upright.
📢 This is a cold-hardy species—it requires a winter dormancy and should be kept outside year-round. In locations with extreme cold, we recommend placing it on the ground, mulching around the pot, and protecting it from wind.
 
Plant Features:
Hardiness Zone: 5–8 (cold-hardy and requires winter dormancy)
Growth Habit: Upright to slightly spreading with fine branching potential
Mature Size: 15–25 ft in the landscape; adaptable to small or medium bonsai
Foliage: Green, deeply lobed leaves that turn red to orange in fall
Trunk & Bark: Smooth green bark that develops character with age
Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade (afternoon shade in hot climates)
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil
Water Needs: Moderate; enjoys regular watering, especially during dry spells
Special Features: Classic bonsai species, strong seasonal color, easy to train and shape