Acer palmatum 'Waterfall'
Waterefall Japanese Maple
cer palmatum ‘Waterfall’ is a classic weeping laceleaf Japanese maple prized for its strong cascading habit and elegant, finely dissected foliage. Leaves emerge bright green in spring, forming a soft, flowing mound that moves beautifully in the breeze.
Through summer, foliage remains clean green, creating a cooling, tranquil effect in the landscape. In fall, ‘Waterfall’ turns brilliant shades of golden yellow, orange, and red, often producing a vivid, multi-toned autumn display. The deeply cut leaves and pronounced weeping form intensify the seasonal color effect.
The growth habit is low, spreading, and gracefully cascading, forming a broad, waterfall-like silhouette. It performs best in partial shade, especially in warmer climates, and prefers well-drained, evenly moist soil.
Size
Width: 10–12 ft
Height: 6–8 ft
Hardiness
USDA Zones: 5–8
Best Uses
Specimen tree for cascading form
Japanese or Asian-inspired gardens
Accent near patios, water features, or slopes
Container planting
Focal point in mixed borders
- Plant type
- Deciduous Tree, Japanese Maple
- Height
- 6-8'
- Width
- 10-12'
- Hardiness zones
- 5–8
- Sunlight
- Full Sun, Partial Shade
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Bloom time
- Spring
- Leaf color
- Green
- Fall color
- Gold
- Soil
- Loamy
- Landscape use
- Accent Plant, Specimen
- Shape
- Pendulous, Weeping
- Bark
- Smooth
- Deer resistant
- Yes
- Drought tolerant
- No
- 10-year height
- 4'
- 10-year width
- 4'
