Acer pseudoplatanus 'Brilliantissimum'

Sycamore Maple

er pseudoplatanus ‘Brilliantissimum’ is a small, ornamental maple prized for its exceptional golden-yellow spring foliage. New leaves emerge bright apricot, peach, and golden-yellow, creating a luminous early-season display. As summer progresses, foliage softens to light yellow-green, then turns pale yellow in fall.

Leaves are rounded and softly lobed, giving the tree a gentle, refined texture. Growth habit is compact, rounded, and slow-growing, making it ideal for smaller landscapes. Unlike standard sycamore maples, ‘Brilliantissimum’ remains manageable in size and is often grown grafted on a standard to form a small shade or accent tree.

It prefers partial shade, as strong afternoon sun can scorch the delicate foliage. This cultivar is valued more for foliage color and form than fall color.

Size



Width: 12–15 ft



Height: 15–20 ft
(often smaller when young or grafted)



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 5–7



Best Uses


Specimen tree for spring color



Small gardens and courtyards



Accent tree near patios or entryways



Light woodland or shaded borders



Container use when young or grafted on standard

Plant type

Shade Tree

Height

15-20'

Width

12-15'

Hardiness zones

5–7

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Soil

Loamy well-drained

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No