Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo'

Floating Cloud Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum ‘Ukigumo’, meaning “Floating Clouds,” is a highly prized Japanese maple known for its soft, irregular variegation and ethereal appearance. Spring foliage emerges pale green splashed with creamy white and soft pink, often appearing lightly clouded or misted across the leaf surface.

As the season progresses, variegation may soften, with leaves maturing to light green with white markings, while pink tones can reappear during cool weather. In fall, ‘Ukigumo’ develops gentle shades of peach, coral, and soft red, providing subtle but elegant autumn color. Leaves are medium-sized with classic palmate form and irregular variegation.

The habit is upright and rounded, forming a graceful small tree. ‘Ukigumo’ performs best in partial shade, where leaf color is brightest and scorch is minimized, and prefers well-drained, evenly moist soil.

Size



Width: 10–15 ft



Height: 12–18 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 5–8



Best Uses


Specimen tree for delicate variegation



Japanese or Asian-inspired gardens



Accent near patios or walkways



Shade-protected focal point



Collector tree for rare foliage effects

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Japanese Maple

Height

12-18'

Width

10-15'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Brown

Leaf color

Dark Pink, Dark Spring Green

Fall color

Yellow

Soil

Loamy

Shape

Broad Upright, Vase Shaped

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No

10-year height

6'

10-year width

8'