Botanical Name: Acer palmatum
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade
Zones: 5–8
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Botanical Name: Acer palmatum ‘Sangokaku’
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade
Size: 15–20 feet tall, 12 feet wide
Zones: 5–8
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Botanical Name: Acer griseum
Growing Conditions: Full sun
Size: 20–30 feet tall, 12 feet wide
Zones: 5–7
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Botanical Name: Acer saccharum
Growing Conditions: Full sun
Size: 50–75 feet tall, 30–45 feet wide
Zones: 4–8
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Botanical Name: Acer saccharinum
Growing Conditions: Full sun
Size: 60–80 feet tall, 40–60 feet wide
Zones: 3–9
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Botanical Name: Acer rubrum
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade
Size: 40–60 feet tall, 30–40 feet wide
Zones: 3–9
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Botanical Name: Acer campestre
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade
Size: 20–35 feet tall, 20–30 feet wide
Zones: 5–8
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Botanical Name: Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’
Growing Conditions: Full sun
Size: 35–45 feet tall, 25–30 feet wide
Zones: 3–7
Buy It: ‘Crimson King’ Maple Tree ($35, The Home Depot)
Botanical Name: Acer pectinatum ssp. forrestii
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade
Size: 15–20 feet tall, 15 feet wide
Zones: 5–9
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Botanical Name: Acer pseudosieboldiana
Growing Conditions: Full Sun, Partial Shade
Size: 15–25 feet tall, 15 feet wide
Zones: 4–8
Grow it because: In the spring, Korean maples develop small purple flowers that add to the color show. They also grow well in containers. Korean maple does not like hot, dry conditions.
Botanical Name: Acer buergerianum
Growing Conditions: Full Sun, Partial Shade
Size: 20–30 feet tall, 20–30 feet wide
Zones: 5–9
Grow it because: Trident maple makes an excellent low-maintenance shade tree, especially for smaller yards. It’s also relatively drought and disease resistant. Look for varieties ‘Naruto’ or ‘Ningpoense’.
Botanical Name: Acer triflorum
Growing Conditions: Full Sun, Shade
Size: 20 feet tall, 20 feet wide
Zones: 5–9
Grow it because: Three-flowered maple looks great in four seasons, has few pest or disease problems, and is drought resistant.
Botanical Name: Acer miyabei
Growing Conditions: Full Sun
Size: 40–50 feet tall, 30–35 feet wide
Zones: 4–6
Grow it because: This adaptable and hardy maple is tolerant to heat, cold, soil type, and urban pollution. It is not invasive and would be a good substitute for ash trees where ash borer problems exist. Two excellent selections are ‘State Street’ and ‘Rugged Ridge’ varieties.
Botanical Name: Acer tataricum
Growing Conditions: Full Sun, Partial Shade
Size: 15–20 feet tall, 15 to 20 feet wide
Zones: 3–8
Grow it because: Small yellow flowers in the spring, bright red seedpods in the summer, and yellow and orange fall foliage make tatarian maple ‘Hot Wings’ a showstopping landscape plant. Variety ‘Rugged Charm’ is also an excellent option for small yards, because it stays compact.
Botanical Name: Acer saccharum nigrum
Growing Conditions: Full sun
Size: 50–75 feet tall, 50 feet wide
Zones: 4–8
Grow it because: Black maples form a large, rounded crown which makes it an exceptional shade tree. In the fall, their leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow and red.
