Palmate: Leaves are divided 2/3 to 3/4 of the way to the base.Amoenum: Leaves are divided less than 2/3 of the way to the base.Below are common terms used to describe Japanese maple leaves. The leaves of Japanese maples can differ greatly between varieties, with some arranged in layers like roof shingles, some variegated along the margins or with webs of veining, and others that are curled, crinkled and clustered in tufts. Compact/dwarf: Growing to heights of just 3 to 6 feet, these types make an excellent choice for growing in a pot.Weeping: With pendulous branches that arch gracefully downward, weeping maples cascade in a similar fashion to a waterfall.Vase: The branches of these trees grow up and out, for a tree that is narrow at the base, but wide at the top.Here are the most common terms used to describe their forms. Japanese maples come in many forms-some are airy and upright, while others are compact and domed. Other often overlooked features are their sculptural trunks and branching, tufts of colorful flowers, and clusters of winged seeds called samaras. Some leaves are star shaped or nearly round some are deeply dissected and lacy. Some varieties are vase shaped, while others form columns or gracefully cascade. Small flowers bloom in mid-spring which are attractive close up, but not particularly showy from a distance. A small-growing, upright, rounded deciduous tree that also grows as a multi-stemmed shrub that is primarily grown for its excellent fall color. Photo by: Garden World Images Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo.Ĭommonly called full-moon maple or shirasawa maple, and similar in appearance to A.