Japanese maples and lookalikes

The beautiful Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is a prize for gardeners in Zones 5 and up, and a dream for those in colder Zones like 2, 3, and 4.

Japanese maples are beloved for their graceful form and exquisite foliage, which ranges from finely cut lace-like leaves to small, symmetrical “hands.” Leaf colours span deep reds and purples to fresh greens, often turning brilliant shades in autumn. Some varieties also feature striking bark, such as the coral bark maple, adding year-round visual appeal. These trees remain compact, rarely exceeding 25 feet, making them ideal for residential landscapes.

Popular Japanese maple varieties

‘Bloodgood’ grows 15 to 20 feet tall. One of the most widely planted Japanese maples, it has deep red-purple leaves that hold their colour through summer and turn bright crimson in autumn. It has a rounded shape and smooth dark-grey bark, perfect for mid-sized gardens.

‘Crimson Queen’ reaches 8 to 10 feet. A weeping, lace-leaf variety with finely cut red foliage that stays vibrant throughout the season, turning crimson in fall. Its cascading form is ideal for containers or smaller gardens.

‘Sango Kaku’ (coral bark maple) grows 20 to 25 feet tall. Known for its vivid coral bark, which intensifies in winter, and light green leaves that shift to golden-yellow in autumn. A standout for year-round interest.

‘Tamukeyama’ grows 6 to 8 feet tall. This weeping cultivar has deep purple-red foliage that turns scarlet in autumn. The finely cut leaves and mounding shape make it a dramatic focal point.

‘Shishigashira’ (lion’s head maple) grows 10 to 15 feet. It features curled, tightly packed green leaves and an upright, compact form. The leaves become golden-orange in autumn, and the unusual structure draws attention in any landscape.

‘Emperor 1’ reaches 15 to 20 feet tall. Similar to ‘Bloodgood’, but with later leaf-out, helping to avoid spring frost damage. Its red foliage deepens through the season and turns vivid crimson in fall.

‘Katsura’ grows 10 to 12 feet. This early-leafing variety produces orange and yellow spring foliage that matures to green, then shifts to golden tones again in autumn. A multicoloured showpiece throughout the growing season.

Cold-hardy alternatives to Japanese maples

For gardeners in Zones 2 to 4 who love the look of Japanese maples, several other small trees offer similar beauty and structure with added hardiness.

Amur maple (Acer ginnala) grows 15 to 20 feet tall. Known for its fiery red fall colour and finely textured leaves. Adaptable and reliable, this hardy maple thrives in Zone 2.

Saskatoon (Amelanchier spp.) grows 15 to 25 feet. A native shrub or small tree producing white spring flowers and edible berries, followed by vibrant fall colour. Hardy to Zone 2, with some varieties tolerating Zone 1.

Korean maple (Acer pseudosieboldianum) grows 15 to 25 feet. Its deeply lobed leaves resemble Japanese maples and turn brilliant red, orange, and yellow in autumn. Hardy to Zone 4 and possibly Zone 3.

Mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) grows 20 to 30 feet. Delicate pinnate leaves, white spring flowers, and clusters of red-orange berries in summer. Foliage turns orange and purple in fall. Hardy to Zone 3.

Paperbark maple (Acer griseum) grows 20 to 30 feet. Paperbark maple is renowned for its cinnamon-coloured, peeling bark and rich fall colour. Slightly less hardy, performing best in Zone 4 and above.

Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) reaches 5 to 10 feet. A versatile shrub with peeling bark, spring flowers, and striking dark foliage in cultivars like ‘Diabolo’ or ‘Summer Wine’. Hardy to Zone 2.

American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) grows 20 to 30 feet. Smooth, sinewy bark and vivid orange-red fall foliage make this native tree a showstopper. Cold hardy to Zone 3.