WSU Clark County Extension
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Crimson Queen Japanese Maple

Scientific name: Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'
Taxonomy
Family:Aceraceae
Type:Deciduous tree
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:5 to 9
Plant Characteristics
Height:10 ft
Width:10 ft
Bloom:Spring flowers
Bloom Time:April to May
Bloom Color:Red
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Crimson Queen Japanese maple is one of the more well known of the mound forming dissected types with its dark red summer foliage that holds up very well under full sun conditions. In the fall the leaves take on a brilliant crimson color.

  Morphology:
As with other dissected cultivars, Crimson Queen grows into a small tree with an eventual height of 6’-10’ and an equal width in a mounding form with cascading branches. It bears palmate leaves with 7-9 lobes, which are deeply cut and dissected. Leaves range in length from 2”-4”.

They emerge red in the spring (late April) but soon take on their purplish red summer color before turning crimson in September.

As with other Japanese maples this variant sets small flowers in the spring which latter give rise to winged, 2-lobed samaras which ripen in late summer to early fall. Occasionally these fruit will sprout.

  Adaptation:
Crimson Queen grows on a wide array of soil types in either full sun or partial shade. In hot climates it should be protected from the afternoon sun in order to reduce the chances of leaf scorching. This cultivar lends itself well to a Japanese themed garden.

  Pests:
Bacterial canker may burn some of the ends of the branches. Verticillium wilt can affect entire limbs of the tree. In order to avoid either of these problems make sure that the tree is planted on a well-drained site with good air circulation.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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