Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'

Osakazuki Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’ is one of the most celebrated Japanese maples for exceptional fall color, often considered among the best of all cultivars. Spring and summer foliage is bright, clear green, forming a lush, full canopy that highlights its strong branching structure.

In autumn, ‘Osakazuki’ delivers a spectacular display of brilliant scarlet to glowing crimson red, frequently coloring earlier and more intensely than many other maples. Leaves are medium to large with classic palmate form, contributing to the tree’s bold seasonal impact.

The habit is upright, broad, and rounded, developing into a graceful small tree with excellent garden presence. It performs best in partial shade but tolerates more sun than many Japanese maples when soil moisture is consistent.

Size



Width: 15–20 ft



Height: 15–20 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 5–8



Best Uses


Specimen tree for outstanding fall color



Focal point in lawns or large borders



Japanese or Asian-inspired gardens



Shade tree with seasonal drama



Fall color highlight in mixed landscape

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Japanese Maple

Height

20'

Width

15-20'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Crimson

Leaf color

Green, Light Coral

Fall color

Crimson

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No

10-year height

10'

10-year width

10'