Acer sieboldianum

Siebold Maple

Acer sieboldianum, commonly known as Siebold's maple, is a deciduous tree native to Japan, valued in horticulture for its ornamental foliage, compact form, and reliable autumn color. It is a slow-growing species with a mature height of up to 30 feet, often used as a specimen or container plant. 










Key Characteristics 

Foliage: The leaves are mid to dark green, palmately lobed with typically nine to eleven lobes, and are similar in appearance to Japanese maples (Acer palmatum). A distinguishing feature is the white hairs (pubescence) that remain on the petioles and veins on the underside of the leaves throughout the summer.
Fall Color: Known for spectacular and reliable autumn colors, which can range from shades of yellow and orange to a brilliant coppery or intense red.
Flowers and Fruit: It produces clusters of pale yellow flowers in late spring, followed by characteristic paired, horizontally spreading winged samaras (fruit) that mature in early autumn.
Size and Habit: It has an upright habit that slowly broadens into a rounded crown with age. It generally reaches a mature height of 15-30 feet with a similar spread.
Hardiness: It is more cold-tolerant than many Acer palmatum varieties, typically hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.  

Growing Conditions 
According to sources like the Chicago Botanic Garden and Great Plant Picks, Acer sieboldianum thrives in the following conditions:  

Sun/Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Protection from the hot afternoon sun may be beneficial in warmer climates.
Soil: Best in rich, average to moist, well-drained soils.
Watering: Requires regular watering and should not be allowed to dry out.
Maintenance: A low-maintenance tree that is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution.  

Notable Cultivars 
Specific cultivars offer unique variations: 

Acer sieboldianum 'Sode-no-uchi': A small, roundish tree known for its bright green leaves and brilliant yellow to orange and red fall colors.
Acer sieboldianum 'Kumoi nishiki': Features spring and summer leaves speckled with white and cream variegation, turning yellow to orange in the fall.
Acer sieboldianum 'Seki no kegon': A unique variety with arching branches and elongated leaves that have narrow, delicate lobes.

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Japanese Maple

Height

20-25'

Width

20-25'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Yellow

Leaf color

Dark Green

Soil

Loamy well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Bark

Smooth

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No