Acer Palmatum 'Fairyhair'

Fairy Hair Japanese Maple

A very rare and unusual dwarf Japanese maple with extremely fine, thread-like leaves that give it a wispy, ethereal appearance unlike most maples. Leaves are so slender they almost resemble strands of hair or mist, making this a truly unique specimen in small gardens, containers, or bonsai settings.

Foliage & Seasonal Interest:



Spring: Light green foliage with subtle reddish tones on the newest growth.



Summer: Fresh green, airy canopy.



Fall: Leaves take on fiery red to orange-red tones, adding strong autumn color.



Size & Habit:



Mature Size: Very slow-growing and diminutive — often under 3 ft (≈1 m) tall and narrow after ~10 years, making it one of the true dwarf Japanese maples.



Growth Rate: Extremely slow; excellent for rock gardens, container planting, and bonsai.



Form: Bushy yet airy with thread-like leaves that create a delicate silhouette.



Hardiness & Zones:



USDA Zones: ~5–9 (cold hardy with appropriate siting).



Light & Soil:



Light: Prefers partial shade to filtered sun — too much hot afternoon sun can stress the fine foliage.



Soil: Moist, organic, well-drained soil is ideal.



Care Tips:



Water: Keep consistently moist during establishment, especially in dry weather.



Protection: A sheltered spot with filtered light will protect the delicate leaves from drying winds or intense sun.



Mulch: Helps retain soil moisture and keeps roots cool.



Pruning: Minimal; remove dead wood if needed in late winter.



Landscape Uses:



Perfect as a feature in fairy gardens, containers, patios, and rock gardens.



Excellent for bonsai due to its slow growth and fine leaf texture. 

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Japanese Maple

Height

2'

Width

1'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Spring, Summer

Leaf color

Green, Rose

Fall color

Orange

Soil

Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Rock Garden, Specimen

Shape

Low Mounding

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No

10-year height

1'

10-year width

2'