Types of Small Maple Trees (With Pictures) – Identification Guide
Small maple trees are perfect for adding ornamental features to your garden without taking up too much room. Maple trees that grow less than 20 feet (6 meters) tall fit well into most garden landscapes. Some small ornamental maple trees have spectacular colorful lacelike leaves. And all species of maples — large and small — are famous for their beautiful fall colors of golden yellow, warm orange, and vibrant reds.
Growing small maples in your backyard can also create shade in a manageable way. Unlike regular maple trees, small varieties of ornamental trees in the genus Acer don’t risk interfering with powerlines or properties. Also, there is less chance of annoying neighbors by planting a huge deciduous tree in your yard.
What are the best types of maple trees to plant in a compact garden with limited space? This article lists many native maple trees and ornamental Japanese maples that are classed as “small maple trees.”
Small Maple Tree Identification
Small maple trees are identified by their size — typically under 20 ft. (6 m) tall, leaf shape, bark, and winged fruits called samaras. The leaves of most small maple trees are identified by their pointed lobes with toothed or serrated edges. Some Japanese maples have dark red or purple dissected lacelike feathery leaves.
Type of Small Maple Trees (With Pictures)
Let’s look in detail at 16 types of small maple trees. The photos and descriptions of each type of maple tree will help you determine the most suitable maple trees for a compact garden landscape.
Coral Bark Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’)
The small coral bark Japanese maple tree gets its name from the beautiful color of its bark
Coral bark maple is a small ornamental maple tree with eye-catching coral-red bark, twigs, and stems. This decorative tree produces pinkish-red stems in spring, followed by attractive green leaves and red margins. The maple leaves have five deep lobes. In summer, the foliage turns bright yellowish green before turning soft yellow-orange in the fall.
The maple tree’s distinctive coral-red coloration sets it apart from other ornamental maples. These reddish branches add a splash of color to winter landscapes. In addition, the low height of the maple tree means it is ideal as a lawn plant, specimen tree for small backyards, or foundation planting.
Growing Conditions: Full sun or partial shade in slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
Size: 20 to 25 ft. (6 – 7.5 m).
Zones: 5 to 8.
Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum)
Paperbark maple has an attractive peeling orange bark and is small to medium sized tree
The paperbark maple is an upright branching small decorative maple tree with peeling bark. The identifying feature is the tree’s exfoliating cinnamon-red to copper-orange thin bark. The papery bark peels to reveal rose-brown inner bark. The maple leaves have three pointed lobes and turn red and orange in the fall.
Paperbark maples are easy to grow for year-long ornamental interest in a small backyard. Plant near a patio or deck to enjoy its unique peeling bark and reddish-orange colors.
Growing Conditions: Full sun or partial sun in moist, well-draining soil.
Size: 20 to 30 ft. (6 – 10 m) tall and 15 to 25 ft. (4.5 – 7.5 m) wide.
Zones: 4 to 8.
Japanese Maple ‘Garnet’ (Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Garnet’)
Laceleaf Japanese maple ‘Garnet’ is a dwarf tree which is great for landscaping small gardens
The Japanese maple ‘Garnet’ is one of the smallest ornamental maple trees for a small front or backyard. Growing less than 8 ft. (2.4 m) tall, the maple has large, deeply cut dissected leaves that are red to deep purple. The stunning foliage densely covers a spreading crown up to 12 ft. (3.6 m) wide.
The maple cultivar ‘Garnet’ has vigorous growth and an upright, mounding habit. This feature gives the tree an umbrella shape that looks pretty in a garden landscape.
Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade in well-draining soil.
Size: 6 to 8 ft. (1.8 – 2.4 m) tall and 8 to 12 ft. (2.4 – 3.6 m) wide.
Zones: 5 to 9.
Korean Maple (Acer pseudosieboldianum)
Korean maple is a small tree with beautiful autumn foliage that looks stunning in tight spaces
The Korean maple is a small deciduous maple tree or large ornamental shrub with medium to dark green foliage. The maple leaves are identified by their 9 to 11 doubly serrated lobes measuring 5” (13 cm) long. In fall, the Korean maple’s foliage turns beautiful shades of red, yellow, and orange.
Korean maples are suitable for growing as excellent shade trees in a small garden landscape. The ornamental features of the tree include purple blooms in the spring and winged samaras in the fall, along with warm autumn colors.
Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade in organically-rich, well-drained soil.
Size: 15 to 25 ft. (4.5 – 7.6 m) tall and wide.
Zones: 4 to 8.
Three-Flowered Maple (Acer triflorum)
The three-flowered maple is small to medium sized tree with attractive bark and autumn foliage
The three-flowered maple is a relatively small deciduous maple tree with a rounded crown of dense foliage. This attractive tree has several ornamental features. It has large trifoliate medium green leaves, thin ash-green bark that exfoliates in vertical strips revealing orange-brown inner bark, and yellowish-green spring flowers.
Three-flowered maple trees are ideal landscaping trees for small to medium-sized gardens. Its papery bark that peels off the trunk gives it visual appeal in winter. Additionally, the large 3” (7.5 cm) leaves turn brilliant red and orange in the fall.
Growing Conditions: Full sunlight or partial shade and growing in fertile, well-draining soil.
Size: 20 to 30 ft. (6 – 10 m) tall and wide.
Zones: 4 to 9.
Tatarian Maple (Acer tataricum)
Tatarian maples: young and mature trees
Tatarian maple is a small, upright spreading deciduous tree that grows less than 20 ft. (6 m) tall. The multi-stemmed maple has broadly ovate leaves with doubly serrated margins but without the distinct lobes of typical maple leaves. The showy foliage turns dramatic shades of golden yellow and red in the fall.
In the landscape, Tatarian maple trees are attractive shade trees for gardens of limited size. In addition, they also grow well in containers to add greenery to a patio or decking area.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade in organically-rich soil with excellent drainage.
Size: 15 to 20 ft. (4.5 – 6 m) tall and wide.
Zones: 3 to 8.
Shaina Small Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’)
Shaina Japanese maple is a dwarf tree with stunning red foliage and is a focal point in any small garden
The small, compact ‘Shaina’ Japanese maple is a spectacular small ornamental tree with bright red foliage. The maple leaves have narrow, five-pointed blades that emerge vibrant red, turn maroon-red, then return to bright crimson-red in the fall. Even growing in direct sunlight, this small maple tree retains its colors.
The Shaina maple doesn’t grow more than 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. You can plant the tree as a specimen plant, accent plant, or in a large planter in a container garden. The globe-shaped colorful maple is a perfect landscape addition in small gardens. Suitable for zone 9, you can also plant the maple as far south as Central Florida.
Growing Conditions: Full sun or partial shade in moist, slightly acidic, well-draining soil.
Size: 4 to 5 ft. (1.2 – 1.5 m) tall and 3 to 4 ft. (1 – 1.2 m) wide.
Zones: 5 to 9.
Amur Maple Tree (Acer ginnala)
The small Amur maple tree has dense green foliage that turns red and yellow in the fall
The Amur maple is a small deciduous maple tree known for its fragrant flowers, large red samaras, and glossy green leaves. The multi-stemmed tree has leaves with toothed edges and three deep lobes, creamy-white spring blossoms, and red-winged samaras dangling from the tree. In addition, the hardy maple has smooth, gray bark.
This non-native maple tree is planted in compact landscapes for its dense foliage and bright autumn colors. The foliage turns from bright green to deep red and bright yellow before dropping. The small tree works well as a privacy screen, shade tree, or specimen tree.
Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade in moist, fertile, well-drained soil. This maple variety is drought-tolerant and withstands wind.
Size: 15 to 20 ft. (4.5 – 6 m) tall and wide.
Zones: 3 to 8.
Fernleaf Full Moon Maple Tree (Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’)
The dwarf ornamental fernleaf full moon maple is a compact deciduous tree with attractive feathery foliage and autumn color
The fernleaf full moon maple ‘Aconitifolium’ is a low-growing tree suitable for small-scale backyards. This short deciduous tree has fern-like leaves divided into nine to 11, toothed, dissected leaves. The impressive fall colors of the full moon maple are primarily orange, red, and crimson. And the winged red samaras only add to the tree’s attractiveness.
Although it tolerates full sun, the leaf color of the little full moon maple is more vibrant in partial shade. The tree’s compact growth means it grows well in small spaces. You can also plant it as a container tree, specimen tree, or understory tree.
Growing Conditions: Partial shade for the best color and prevent leaf scorch. Also, mulch around the root area to keep the ground cool and moist.
Size: 8 to 10 ft. (2.4 – 3 m) tall and wide.
Zones: 5 to 7.
Full Moon Maple Tree ‘Green Cascade’ (Acer japonicum ‘Green Cascade’)
The dwarf full moon maple ‘Green Cascade’ is a weeping tree with a slow growth rate which can be grown in containers
The Japanese maple ‘Green Cascade’ is a petite ornamental maple tree for a small landscape. It’s a beautiful addition to any compact yard because of its cascading, weeping branches, rounded, lacelike leaves, and yellow, orange, and crimson-red fall foliage. This slow-growing miniature tree takes ten years to reach its mature height.
The ‘Green Cascade’ maple is ideal as a specimen tree if you want a small, decorative weeping tree in a compact yard. The attractive maple also brings a bang of color to fall gardens when planted in containers.
Growing Conditions: Full sun or partial sun in moist, well-draining soil.
Size: 4 to 5 ft. (1.2 – 1.5 m) tall and 6 to 8 ft. (1.8 – 2.4 m) wide.
Zones: 5 to 7.
Mountain Maple (Acer spicatum)
The mountain maple is a large multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with a spreading crown
The Mountain maple is a dwarf maple tree with a short trunk, spreading crown, and green leaves with a fuzzy underside. The maple leaves on this small tree have three to five shallow lobes and coarsely toothed margins. In the fall, the lobed leaves turn brilliant yellow to red.
Also called dwarf maple or white maple, this species of tree is related to the sugar maple. The tree’s sap is sweet and can be used to make maple syrup. As one of the cold-hardiest maples, this tree thrives in Canada and the Northern United States.
Growing Conditions: Full sun or partial shade in organically-rich, moist soil that drains well.
Size: 10 to 25 ft. (3 – 8 m) tall and 10 to 20 ft. (3 – 6 m) wide.
Zones: 2 to 7.
Japanese Maple Tree ‘Ariadne’ (Acer palmatum ‘Ariadne’)
‘Ariadne’ small Japanese maple tree has changing leaf colors throughout the seasons and is ideal for containers or small gardens
The maple cultivar ‘Ariadne’ is one of the Japanese maple varieties suitable for the smallest gardens. The deciduous shrub-like tree has orange-pink leaves emerging in spring. These deeply cut, lobed leaves turn pale green with reddish margins in summer and then orange-pink in the fall.
The gracefully arching habit of the Japanese maple ‘Ariadne’ makes it an ideal landscape solution with multi-season interest. This includes brilliant fall color, beautiful foliage, and a spreading habit. In addition, the small maple is suitable for growing in patio containers and compact gardens.
Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade. However, the best foliage color in the fall requires partial shade throughout summer.
Size: 6 to 10 ft. (1.8 – 3 m) tall and 10 to 12 ft. (3 – 3.6 m) wide.
Zones: 4 to 8.
Coral Bark Maple Tree ‘Beni-Kawa’ (Acer palmatum ‘Beni-Kawa’)
Coral bark ‘Beni-Kawa’ is a small Japanese maple tree with reddish stems and attractive fall color
This Japanese maple cultivar ‘Beni-Kawa’ is a small decorative tree with amazing fall color, beautiful foliage, and coral-red stems. The low-growing maple tree is identified by its rich green, lobed leaves with hints of red on the toothed margins. In the fall, the tree transforms into golden yellow colors, and the leaves drop to reveal red bark.
Like the popular ‘Sango Kaku’ cultivar, the ‘Beni-Kawa’ maple tree puts on color displays in all seasons. Red-tipped green maple leaves with five to seven lobes cover the vase-shaped crown from spring through fall, then turn bright yellow. Through winter and early spring, the red bark adds a pop of color to a small-scale front or backyard.
Growing Conditions: Full sun or partial shade. However, keep out of the sun in the hottest months to prevent leaf scorch.
Size: 20 to 30 ft. (6 – 10 m) tall and 15 to 25” (4.5 – 7.5 m) wide.
Zones: 4 to 8.
Japanese Maple Tree ‘Ichigyoji’ (Acer palmatum ‘Ichigyoji’)
Japanese Maple Tree ‘Ichigyoji’ (Acer palmatum ‘Ichigyoji’)
The ‘Ichigyoji’ Japanese maple is a small ornamental shade tree suitable for compact garden landscapes with limited space. The decorative feature of this maple tree is golden palm-shaped leaves that turn into stunning fall colors in shades of orange. Additionally, the maple has red fruits (samaras) and rough, gray bark with red branches.
This Japanese maple tree has a spreading, rounded habit and colorful foliage consisting of deeply lobed leaves. The maple tree reaches up to 20 ft. (6 m) tall, and its dense crown makes it an attractive shade tree for southern gardens in growing zone 9.
Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade in moist, well-drained soil.
Size: 15 to 20 ft. (4.5 – 6 m) tall and 20 to 25 ft. (6 – 7.5 m) wide.
Zones: 6 to 9.
Laceleaf Japanese Maple Tree ‘Viridis’ (Acer-palmatum-dissectum ‘Viridis’)
The small ‘Viridis’ laceleaf Japanese maple tree has weeping branches with feathery leaves
If you don’t have plenty of space, the laceleaf dwarf maple tree ‘Viridis’ is an excellent landscaping choice. This beautiful tree has a low, spreading habit with weeping branches that seem to twist and turn. The fern-like lacy leaves have long, thin lobes with deeply toothed edges. The leaves emerge orange or yellow before turning green, and then turn golden yellow in the fall.
This Japanese maple cultivar creates an attractive mound of colored leaves from spring through fall. Its visual interest continues in winter with an attractive silhouette of gnarled branches.
Growing Conditions: Full sunlight to partial shade growing in fertile, well-draining soil with mulch around the root area to keep the ground cool.
Size: 6 to 10 ft. (1.8 – 3 m) tall and wide.
Zones: 5 to 8.
Golden Full Moon Maple Tree ‘Aureum’ (Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’)
‘Aureum’ full moon Japanese maple is a stunning small tree with spectacular fall colors
The stunning ornamental maple tree ‘Aureum’ is a small tree with bushy foliage and magnificent fall colors. This decorative maple tree has palmate leaves with seven to nine pointed lobes, small crimson insignificant flowers, and bright red samaras. The clusters of red fruit contrast nicely with chartreuse leaves before they turn bright orange and red.
The ‘Aureum’ golden full moon maple is prized for its impressive fall colors. The small crimson flowers in spring give way to red fruits in late summer and fall. The popular maple species is perfect for growing in gardens with limited space or containers.
Growing Conditions: Grows easily in full sunlight or partial shade in organically-rich, well-draining soil.
Size: 15 to 20 ft. (4.5 – 6 m) tall and wide.
Zones: 5 to 7.
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