Japanese Maple vs Red Sunset Maple - TreeTime.ca

Japanese Maple vs Red Sunset Maple

Acer rubrum Sunset

Acer palmatum

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Red Sunset Maple
Japanese Maple

Red Sunset Maple is named for its stunning orange and red leaves in the fall. It is a fast growing cultivar of the Red Maple that is native to Eastern North America. The winter stems and spring flowers are also tinged with red color, making this tree attractive year round.

The Red Sunset Maple is salt sensitive and prefers moist soil with slightly acidic conditions.

Japanese Maple is one of the most popular accent maples. Its long, fingered lobed leaves can be variegated in the summer with lighter shades of green, red, or even purple. Its autumn colour is a brilliant red that is uncommon in most plants, which adds nice contrast to your yard when planted near other trees.


The Japanese Maple is a diverse variety, there are over 1,000 cultivars with different sizes, shapes, and colours.

This species is extremely popular with bonsai enthusiasts.

Red Sunset Maple Quick Facts

Japanese Maple Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 5a
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Foliage: wide, palm-like
Fall colour: red/orange
Fall colour: bright red to yellow
Flowers: small red clusters
Hybrid: yes
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: palmate maple, smooth japanese maple