Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple Tree

Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Viridis’

Nature Hills Nursery

Cascading Weeping Form Creates Living Sculpture Unlike Upright Green Japanese Maple Trees
Thrives in Zones 5-8
Stunning Red & Yellow Fall Foliage
Showy Red, Green Blooms in Late Spring
Top Pick for Border in Asian Gardens

$184⁶⁵

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Plant Size

#3 Container 3-4 Feet

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least 4 to 6 hours of morning sun for the best leaf color. While it loves the sun, these delicate leaves benefit from afternoon shade in hotter climates to prevent the lacy foliage from crisping or scorching at the edges.
Soil: This maple craves rich, well drained soil that stays consistently moist but never soggy. If you have heavy clay, plant it in a raised mound to keep the roots above the water line, or mix in organic compost to improve drainage in sandy spots.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, water your Green Laceleaf deeply twice a week to ensure the root system anchors properly. Once established, it is remarkably resilient, though it requires supplemental soaking during summer dry spells to prevent leaf drop. Inconsistent watering often leads to "tip burn," where the fine ends of the leaves turn brown and brittle.

Pruning Tips

Since this variety is slow growing and naturally graceful, you should only prune in late winter while the tree is still dormant. Focus on removing "dead, damaged, or crossing" branches to maintain an open canopy that allows light to reach the interior. Think of it like thinning out a head of hair; you want to highlight the elegant, weeping structure without stripping away its natural character.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers after midsummer, as this encourages soft new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season growth is highly susceptible to winter kill and can weaken the overall health of your tree.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

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If you are searching for the perfect green Japanese maple to anchor your shade garden, look no further. The Green Laceleaf is the gold standard of the Acer palmatum family, offering a level of texture and elegance that standard upright varieties simply cannot match.

While many gardeners initially hunt for a generic green maple tree, they often fall in love with this variety’s unique, weeping form. Unlike an upright green Japanese maple that grows vertically, this distinct "Laceleaf" (dissectum) cultivar cascades outward and downward, creating a soft, mushroom-shaped mound that serves as a living sculpture in your landscape.

Why This Is the "Green Leaf" Variety You Want The foliage is the true showstopper. This green leaf Japanese maple features deeply cut, feathery leaves that give the canopy an airy, delicate appearance.

Spring: Leaves emerge as a fresh, vibrant lime-green.
Summer: The color deepens to a cool, calming emerald that provides visual relief in hot months.
Autumn: The tree transforms into a spectacular display of golden-yellow and burnt orange, rivaling even the most colorful red maples.

Hardy, Versatile, and Shade-Loving One common misconception is that all Japanese green maples are delicate. In reality, the Green Laceleaf is surprisingly robust. It thrives in part shade, making it the ideal solution for those tricky low-light spots under tall oaks or on the north side of your home. In hotter southern zones, this green variety is often more heat-tolerant than its red counterparts, provided it is shielded from the harsh afternoon sun.

Whether planted in a large patio container or used as a focal point near a water feature, this green Japanese maple tree brings a sense of Zen tranquility to any space. It’s not just a tree; it’s a long-term investment in the beauty of your garden.

Botanical Name

Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Viridis'
Class

Magnoliopsida, Sapindales
Species

palmatum var. dissectum
Cultivar

Viridis
Growing Zones

5-8
Height

8-10 ft
Width

7-9 ft
Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

Red, Green
Leaf Color

Green, Yellow, Orange
Fall Color

Red & Yellow
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 5-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are japanese maples evergreen?

No, Japanese maples are deciduous trees that lose their leaves each fall. The Green Laceleaf showcases this beautifully, transitioning from spring's lime-green to summer's emerald, then autumn's golden-yellow and burnt orange. Plan for seasonal interest rather than year-round foliage coverage.

How tall and wide will this Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple get when fully mature?

The Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple typically reaches 6-8 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide at maturity, forming a distinctive weeping, mushroom-shaped mound. This compact size makes it perfect for smaller gardens or containers. Plan for adequate spacing when planting, available at naturehills.com.

Are Green Laceleaf Japanese Maples deer resistant?

Green Laceleaf Japanese Maples are not considered deer resistant and may be browsed, especially when young. Their delicate, feathery foliage can be particularly appealing to deer. Protect with fencing or deer repellent until the tree matures and develops a stronger canopy structure.

What plants make good companions to plant near a Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple?

Hostas, ferns, and astilbe create perfect companions for this shade-loving maple's delicate texture. Heuchera and Japanese painted ferns echo the laceleaf's fine foliage, while spring bulbs provide early color before the lime-green leaves emerge. Plant companions at least 3-4 feet away to showcase the weeping form.

How much maintenance and pruning does this tree require annually?

The Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple requires minimal annual maintenance due to its naturally graceful weeping form. Light pruning in late winter to remove dead or crossing branches is sufficient. Remove any growth below the graft union and avoid heavy pruning that disrupts its cascading shape.

Can this tree tolerate drought conditions once established?

Japanese maples prefer consistent moisture and are not considered drought-tolerant trees. While the Green Laceleaf is more robust than many assume, it still needs regular watering during dry spells. Plant in part shade and mulch well to retain soil moisture, especially during hot summers.