Acer cissifolium

This Japanese maple is a real curiosity because its leaves look more like ivy than a typical maple. Each leaf is split into three leaflets, giving the canopy a light, airy texture that catches the breeze. In May, tiny yellow flowers hang in long clusters before the winged seeds develop. It is one of the most consistent performers for autumn colour on our Thurning ground, turning vivid shades of orange and red as the nights draw in.

It typically grows into a small to medium-sized tree with a rounded, multi-stemmed habit. You can expect it to reach around 10 metres at maturity, though it stays quite manageable for many years. It is not too fussy about soil types but prefers a spot that stays moist but well-drained. While it handles full sun, a bit of afternoon shade helps prevent the leaf tips from scorching during dry spells.

We recommend minimal pruning to keep its natural shape. If you need to tidy it up, always wait until the tree is fully dormant in midwinter to avoid the sap bleeding. It works well in a woodland-style planting or as a standalone feature where you can appreciate the smooth, grey bark. We find it much hardier than many of the more delicate Japanese cultivars.