A deciduous tree in the genus Acer. Purple Maple is a horticultural cultivar. Leaves opposite, palmate, with 5-9 deep lobes split from the leaf base, lobes long oval or lanceolate, margin with sharp teeth. Leaves red in spring and autumn, purplish red in summer. New leaves tender red, and old leaves purplish red all year round. Leaves turn green when growing in dim light. Corymb terminal and bisexual. Fruits are 2 samaras, arranged in herringbones.
It prefers humid, warm to cool environments, moderately tolerant to shade and cold, and not picky on soils but preferably fertile, richly humic, acidic or neutral sandy loams, and averse to waterlogging. The leaves are easily scorched and curled with heat, drought, direct sun, over-dry or over-wet potting soils, strong wind, and air pollution. Propagated by seeds, cuttings, layering and grafting.
〔應用〕:
葉色美觀,可作庭園景觀樹、行道樹,或修剪成大型盆栽與雕塑盆景欣賞。
Highly valued for the pleasant foliage color, it can be used as a garden landscape tree, street tree, or trimmed as a large potted topiary plant and topiary bonsai for appreciation.