Japanese Maple: Flower Action



Fig. 1  Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'   leafing and flowering. (March 26, 2011)

Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is valued for its beautiful leaves and desirable form as a tree.  Different varieties come in different colors, shape of leaves and growth habit.   In early spring, the leaves and flowers come out at the same time.  Depending on weather conditions, the canopy cover grows so fast that the flowers go unnoticed until the samaras increase in size to be noticeable.  

 

Although the wind was still gusty after the storm, I went out in between rain showers.  I thought that I'd take pictures of the Japanese maple trees in my backyard with special emphasis on the developing flowers.

 



Fig. 2    Clusters of small flowers mimic the color of the new branches and leaves.



Fig. 3    Current year's branches coming out of older trunks.



Fig. 4    Red flowers are borne on the ends of the previous year's branches.

 



Fig. 5     Acer palmatum  dissectum 'Viridis' with drooping branches.

 

Fig. 6    Propped-up branch for a peek of the flower buds.

 Fig. 7   The four-year old Japanese maple do not have flowers as of this year.

 

My observations:

1. Flowers are borne on new growths of the previous year's branches (Fig.1 and 4)
2. Branches arising from old woody trunks do not flower on the first year (Fig. 3).
3. Japanese maple grown from seeds takes several years (at least more than 4 years) before they flower (Fig. 7).

Plants growth is defined by nature's parameters - our role as gardeners is to figure them out.