tree

Ivyleaf Maple

Acer cissifolium

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer cissifolium, the ivyleaf maple, is a small deciduous tree native to Japan that develops a rounded, spreading crown with a fine texture resembling a Japanese maple. Its trifoliolate compound leaves emerge with a bronze tint in spring, mature to a deep green, and turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall.

This species is distinguished by its trifoliolate leaves held on slender reddish petioles and its pendulous, yellow-green flower racemes that appear alongside the emerging foliage. Unlike many maples, it maintains a multi-stemmed, low-branching habit that makes it an excellent understory specimen for dappled shade.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers delicate, textured foliage that transitions through bronze, green, and brilliant yellow-orange fall colors.

Functions as a compact, low-branching specimen tree ideal for smaller residential landscapes and courtyards.

Provides nesting sites and cover for songbirds and small urban wildlife.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300"

Width

240"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early spring – Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with well-drained, acidic to neutral loam that receives full sun or partial shade, preferably protected from strong winds.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the root flare sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil without adding amendments, tamp down gently to remove air pockets, and water deeply to settle the soil.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping the mulch several inches away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Prune only during late summer or early fall to prevent the heavy sap-bleeding common to maples in spring, and avoid cutting back into old, leafless wood where dormant buds will fail to break.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells to maintain consistent soil moisture and prevent leaf scorch.
Provide afternoon shade in hotter climates to protect the delicate foliage from intense sun.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if growth appears sluggish.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay or areas prone to standing water.
Do not prune in winter or spring, as this causes excessive sap bleeding.
Do not cut back heavily into old, bare wood where new buds cannot form.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreeUnderstory PlantingCity GardenCottage Garden

Companion Plants

Hosta Rhododendron

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Ivyleaf Maple questions

What zones can Ivyleaf Maple grow in?

Ivyleaf Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Ivyleaf Maple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Ivyleaf Maple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Ivyleaf Maple bloom?

Ivyleaf Maple typically blooms in early spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Ivyleaf Maple need full sun?

Ivyleaf Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.