WSU Clark County Extension
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Ornatum Japanese Maple

Scientific name: Acer palmatum 'Ornatum'
Taxonomy
Family:Aceraceae
Type:Deciduous tree
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:6 to 9
Sun:Partial shade
Plant Characteristics
Height:15 ft
Width:10 ft
Bloom:Spring flowers
Bloom Time:April
Bloom Color:Red
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Originating in Europe, ‘Ornatum’ is one of the older Japanese maples in cultivation. It is prized in the landscape for its strong pendulous, mushroom shape reaching 10’ in height (with considerable age) and its beautiful orange and red fall foliage.

  Morphology:
This lace-leaf type forms a deciduous tree, 10’-15’ tall, with multiple trunks and often a variable shape. Leaves are simple, opposite, 2”-5” long with 5-7(infrequently 9) lobes. These lobes are lance-ovate to lance-oblong in shape and doubly serrate. Fruit (samara) are incurved, and ripen in the early fall.

This selection is similar to the other red Dissectum cultivars (such as the popular ‘Crimson Queen’), though its spring color is more bronze-green. During the fall ‘Ornatum’ turns a blazing scarlet which is very striking.

  Adaptation:
As with other Dissectum types, ‘Ornatum’ should be given partial shade and protection from hot dry winds. Filtered shade is best, although in some cooler areas they can take full sun.

  Pests:
As with other Japanese maples bacterial canker can occur. Reduce the incidence of this wet weather disease by giving this cultivar plenty of air circulation.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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