Issue link: https://nest.uberflip.com/i/870128
Japanese maples are a bit finicky about sunlight and temperature, but they're worth the effort! They'll grow just about anywhere with the right conditions and care. Autumn is show time for maples. These versatile tree in a myriad of sizes, forms, and colors offer fiery fall foliage like no other. There's a maple for every landscape. 1. RED MAPLE Red maple is one of the best named of all trees, featuring something red in each of the seasons— buds in winter, flowers in spring, leafstalks in summer, and brilliant foliage in autumn. This pageant of color, along with the red maple's relatively fast growth and tolerance to a wide range of soils, makes it a widely planted favorite. The natural range of red maple begins roughly at the eastern edge of the Great Plains north to Lake Superior, extending eastward to the Atlantic. But homeowners and urban foresters are growing this tree all across the United States. 2. threadleaf japanese MAPLE Typically sold in weeping form, which reaches 10 feet. This round, mound-forming, deciduous Japanese maple has many qualities that make it an excellent garden plant, including a sculptural form, deeply cut foliage, arching shoots, and golden autumn color. The reddish purple flowers are tiny but attractive up close. They are followed by winged fruit. Threadleaf Japanese maple makes a beautiful specimen in small gardens and can be grown in large containers or used for bonsai. 1 2 3. AMur MAPLE The Amur maple is one of the smaller trees in the Acer genus. Once established, it will have some drought resistance. In some areas it can be invasive, so check with your extension office first before planting. The 'Embers' and 'Flame' varieties have especially vibrant fall colors in both leaves and fruit and is more of a shrubby species, perfect for filling in a smaller space.