Source: Wikimedia Commons
Yama-momiji (Japanese maple var. amoenum)
BeginnerAcer amoenum var. matsumurae
A wild maple common in mountains on the Sea of Japan side, with leaves a little larger than iroha-momiji and cut into 7–9 lobes. Vigorous, fast-growing and easy from seed, it is the parent of many cultivars, a common rootstock and a staple bonsai material.
About
Yama-momiji is a deciduous maple common in mountains on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido and Honshu, from Aomori to Shimane. Its classification varies: some treat it as a subspecies or variety of Acer palmatum, others as a variety of A. amoenum (var. matsumurae). The leaves, 5–11 cm across, are a little larger than those of iroha-momiji and cut into 7–9 lobes with long, sharply pointed tips. Like iroha-momiji the margins are irregularly double-toothed, unlike the neat single teeth of A. amoenum. The boomerang-shaped fruits hang down from the twigs, another difference from iroha-momiji. In autumn leaves turn red, orange or yellow depending on exposure. It is said to be the parent of more cultivars than any other maple, including weeping forms such as 'Aoshidare' and 'Tamukeyama' as well as 'Sango-kaku' and 'Arakawa'. Seed germinates readily and seedlings serve as rootstock for cultivars. For bonsai it is vigorous, fast-growing and roots easily from cuttings, so seedlings and cuttings are widely sold as material.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Yama-momiji (Japanese maple var. amoenum)
The Yama-momiji (Japanese maple var. amoenum) grows to Up to about 10 m, typically around 5 m in the mountains (bonsai size depends on styling).
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (Hokkaido and mountains on the Sea of Japan side of Honshu, Aomori to Shimane)
Lifespan
Little data on lifespan
Size
Up to about 10 m, typically around 5 m in the mountains (bonsai size depends on styling)
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (spring and autumn)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Likes sun but not dryness. It prefers cool conditions; in warm regions summer shade and protection from afternoon sun decide autumn colour
Watering
Dries fast once in leaf: about twice daily in spring, 2–3 in summer, every 1–2 days in winter, aiming at the soil. Summer drought spoils autumn colour
Temperature & overwintering
Very hardy; colour is often poorer in warm regions. After leaf fall let it see a few frosts, then shelter from drying wind
Soil & repotting
Free-draining mix; repot around March before budbreak, every 2–3 years (1–2 for mini), pruning roots to encourage fine feeders
Fertilizer
Organic fertilizer in mid-April once leaves harden, a top-up in May; autumn feeding from mid-August, finishing in September to aid colour
Pruning & styling
Pinch the central bud mid-March to mid-April; defoliate or thin leaves in mid-June; prune around leaf fall (winter cuts risk dieback). Wire bites in quickly—remove promptly
Pests & cautions
Poor airflow brings powdery mildew, sooty mould and aphids; prune regularly to avoid congestion. It is native—buy seed- or cutting-grown plants, not wild-dug ones
Yama-momiji (Japanese maple var. amoenum) FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Yama-momiji (Japanese maple var. amoenum)?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Yama-momiji (Japanese maple var. amoenum) get?
The mature size of Yama-momiji (Japanese maple var. amoenum) is Up to about 10 m, typically around 5 m in the mountains (bonsai size depends on styling). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Yama-momiji (Japanese maple var. amoenum)?
Yama-momiji (Japanese maple var. amoenum): watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (spring and autumn). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Yama-momiji (Japanese maple var. amoenum)?
The price of Yama-momiji (Japanese maple var. amoenum) varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Acer amoenum var. matsumurae (Koidz.) K.Ogata
Synonyms: Acer palmatum var. amoenum (Carrière) Ohwi, Acer palmatum var. matsumurae (Koidz.) Makino, Acer palmatum subsp. matsumurae (Koidz.) Ogata
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · GBIF: Acer palmatum var. amoenum（受理名）
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. Choose seed- or cutting-grown plants rather than wild-collected ones.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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