Acer Pictum Subsp. Mono

Painted Maple

Acer pictum subsp. mono is a deciduous maple tree native to parts of Japan, Korea, China, Mongolia, and the Russian Far East. It’s not a cultivar of Acer palmatum (Japanese maple) but a closely related species/subspecies valued in landscapes for its attractive foliage and seasonal color change.


🌳 What It Is


Common Names: Painted Maple, Mono Maple



Botanical: Acer pictum subsp. mono



A deciduous maple tree with a broad, symmetrical crown and striking seasonal foliage.




🍃 Appearance


Foliage: Leaves typically have 5–7 lobes and emerge with subtle bronze or bronze-green tints in spring, mature to bright green in summer, and turn yellow to orange/red in fall.



Tree Form: An upright, rounded canopy that can be attractive as a specimen tree.



Sap & Bark: Petioles exude a milky sap when cut; bark is smooth and gray to brown as it matures.




📏 Size & Growth


It can grow 15–40 ft (5–12 m) tall in the landscape, depending on conditions and genetic variation, with a broad spreading crown.



Growth is typically moderate and works well in medium-sized gardens or as a shade tree.




🌈 Seasonal Interest


Spring: Bronze-tinged emerging foliage



Summer: Bright green canopy



Fall: Vivid autumn color — yellows, oranges, and red tones make this maple stand out in seasonal displays.




🌞 Growing Conditions
While specific care for Acer pictum is similar to other maples, general maples thrive when you:



Plant in moist, well-drained soil



Position with full sun to partial shade depending on regional heat (lighter shade in hot summer locales)



Water regularly in dry spells and mulch to retain soil moisture and protect roots



(These cultural tips are general to Japanese-type and related maples and will support Acer pictum as well.)


🌿 Landscape Uses


Specimen or shade tree in medium to large gardens



Autumn color focal point in mixed borders or lawn settings



Works well in park plantings and alongside paths where color changes are visible from multiple angles




Short tag version:
A medium to large deciduous maple with bronze-tinged new leaves, bright green summer foliage, and showy yellow–orange–red fall color; broad, rounded habit makes it an excellent specimen or shade tree (often 15–40 ft mature). 

Plant type

Deciduous Tree

Height

30-40'

Width

10-30'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Gold

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright

Bark

Smooth

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No

10-year height

15'

10-year width

10'