Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

The Japanese maple is undoubtedly the most popular maple species for bonsai cultivation. Native to Japan, Korea, and China, this species has been cultivated for centuries and exists in hundreds of cultivated varieties.

Characteristics: Japanese maples typically have five to seven-lobed palmate leaves that can range from 2 to 5 inches across in nature but can be reduced significantly in bonsai form. The autumn coloration is exceptional, with colors ranging from bright yellow to deep crimson depending on the cultivar.

Growth habit: These maples exhibit a naturally graceful, often weeping branch structure that lends itself beautifully to various bonsai styles including informal upright, slanting, and cascade forms.

Notable cultivars for bonsai:

• Deshojo: Famous for its brilliant red spring foliage that transitions to green in summer
• Seigen: Known for extremely small leaves ideal for shohin (small) bonsai
• Kiyohime: Features tiny leaves and dense branching, perfect for smaller bonsai
• Shishigashira: Displays distinctive crinkled leaves and compact growth

Trident Maple (Acer buergerianum)

The Trident maple is another highly favored species for bonsai, particularly valued for its vigor, small leaves, and excellent branch ramification.

Characteristics: Named for its distinctive three-lobed leaves that resemble a trident, this species produces glossy green foliage that turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn. The bark develops an attractive orange-brown color and begins to peel and flake on mature specimens, adding winter interest.

Growth habit: Trident maples are extremely vigorous growers, making them excellent for beginners. They tolerate pruning exceptionally well and quickly develop dense branch structures. The species responds well to various training techniques and can be styled in most traditional bonsai forms.

Advantages: More tolerant of heat and drought than Japanese maples, making them suitable for a wider range of climates. They also develop good nebari (surface roots) relatively quickly.

Field Maple (Acer campestre)

Native to Europe and western Asia, the Field maple has gained popularity in European bonsai circles and is increasingly appreciated worldwide.

Characteristics: This species features small, five-lobed leaves with a rounded appearance. The bark develops attractive corky ridges on mature specimens, providing excellent textural interest. Autumn colors tend toward bright yellow and orange tones.

Growth habit: Field maples are hardy and adaptable, tolerating various soil conditions and climates. They produce fine branch ramification and respond well to pruning. The species is particularly well-suited to creating bonsai with gnarled, ancient-looking trunks.

Amur Maple (Acer ginnala)

Also known as the Siberian maple, this species originates from northeastern Asia and is valued for its cold hardiness and compact growth.

Characteristics: Amur maples have three-lobed leaves with the central lobe being significantly longer than the side lobes. The species produces fragrant yellowish-white flowers in spring, followed by attractive red samaras (winged seeds). Fall coloration is particularly brilliant, often showing intense scarlet hues.

Growth habit: Naturally growing as a large shrub or small tree, Amur maples adapt well to bonsai cultivation. They are extremely cold-hardy and can tolerate harsh winter conditions, making them suitable for northern climates.

Japanese Mountain Maple (Acer palmatum var. matsumurae)

A variety of the Japanese maple, the Mountain maple occurs naturally at higher elevations and has distinct characteristics.

Characteristics: This variety typically has larger leaves with seven to nine lobes and displays particularly vibrant autumn colors. The leaves often have a more deeply cut appearance than the standard Japanese maple.

Growth habit: Mountain maples tend to be more vigorous than some other Japanese maple varieties and can develop thick trunks relatively quickly. They prefer slightly cooler conditions than lowland varieties.