Aconitifolium

Character & interest

‘Aconitifolium’ is a true classic among Japanese maples for autumn: it combines outstanding texture (very deeply cut leaves) with a spectacular late-season show. Unlike many palmatum cultivars, it often has a more “shrub/small tree” presence, with a broad, rounded crown and thicker foliage that gives it excellent volume.

Colours

• Spring : light green (bright, luminous young leaves).

• Summer : dark green.

• Autumn : a strongly marked warm palette, most often crimson to vermilion red, with orange transitions (“fiery orange”) depending on exposure and cool nights.

Habit & vigour

Bushy then rounded (dome-shaped) habit, sturdy branches, well-balanced silhouette. Moderate vigour: it establishes well in the ground and responds very well to careful cultivation (soil kept cool, mulching, regular watering in summer).

Indicative size

Observed orders of magnitude depending on sources and training:

• around 2.5 m at 10 years is a common figure in nurseries/collections,

• often 4 to 5 m at maturity in a garden,

• can grow higher with age and excellent conditions (some references mention up to ~7–8 m).

Exposure

Bright partial shade or gentle sun. In hot climates, favour protection from scorching afternoon sun and dry winds to avoid foliage scorch.