Acer Palmatum Dissectum

Acer Palmatum Dissectum is a low growing dissectum variety of Japanese Maple with lacey fine leaves. The dissectum variety of Acer Palmatum tends to be smaller than the more upright Palmatum. Typically, Acer Palmatum Dissectum has a cascading weeping habit that becomes all the more stately as the plant matures. Dissectum is also a reference to the deeply cut (dissected) feathery texture of the foliage. Acer Palmatum Dissectum has deeply lobed palmate leaves and is often referred to as the Lace-leaf Maple.

Possibly the best known and familiar form of Japanese Acer in the UK, Dissectum occurs naturally in the wilds of Japan with either green or red foliage. There are also various named cultivars such as Acer Dissectum Crimson Queen and Acer Palmatum Dissectum Garnet,  both of which have notable red-foliage. Green-leaved dissectum varieties include Acer palmatum Emerald Lace.

In winter, the sculpted shape of the bark adds striking architectural interest.

Height and Spread of Acer Palmatum Dissectum:
As Japanese acers go, Acer Palmatum Dissectum is a smaller, more rounded form and tends to be slow-growing. Many varieties of the dissectum group of Japanese maples mature at 5 metres or less. They rarely attain great heights so they are not classed as shade trees.

How Hardy is Acer Palmatum Dissectum:
Japanese Maple Dissectum is fully is hardy throughout the UK. These tough little trees tolerate very harsh cold winters. 

How To Use Acer Palmatum Dissectum:
Japanese Maple Dissectum are excellent specimen plants especially in smaller gardens. As they won’t get overly large, Acer Palmatum Dissectum makes a good container plant and can be very attractive on balconies and roof terraces. Also very useful as companion plants in a mixed border. 

How To Care For Acer Palmatum Dissectum:
Japanese Maple Dissectum does not like to dry out. This tends to happen especially when they are grown in pots, which is often the case given their slow growth rate and small overall size. So extra care must be taken if you keep these trees containerised to make sure they are properly watered. Mulch is recommended to increase the moisture around the plant. In terms of aspect, sheltered, shadier areas are recommended. They will grow well in a neutral to acid soil. When young, Acer Palmatum Dissectum grows more vigorously and it is at this time that they can be shaped and pruned if desired. It will need room to spread as it matures so it can achieve its natural cascading shape. 

See also Acer Palmatum Dissectum Ornatum. View our Blog Post on Japanese Maple Trees