Japanese maple

American  

noun

1. a small, graceful maple tree, Acer palmatum, of Korea and Japan, having small, purple flowers, the foliage turning bright red in autumn.

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Etymology

Origin of Japanese maple

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

After the Martinezes moved in, they received a letter from one of the original owners’ sons regarding the property’s Japanese maple trees.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2024

Small, deciduous trees and shrubs, such as the contorted hazelnut or a lacy Japanese maple, live happily in containers for years and look lovely in springtime surrounded by crocus and then tulips.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 16, 2023

Q: We are brand-new owners of a Japanese maple in the backyard of a house we recently purchased.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 14, 2022

“We designed an outdoor living room around the Japanese maple tree in front that connects with glass walls to the indoor living room straight through to the screened porch at the back of the house.”

From Washington Post • Dec. 1, 2021

I walked past the mountain laurels and the Japanese maple, up the bluestone steps of Morrie’s house.

From "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom