Maple
Green Cascade
Acer japonicum
A spectacular and architecturally significant selection of the Full Moon Maple. Unlike the typical upright species, 'Green Cascade' forms a low, spreading, beautifully pendulous mound. Its massive, palmately rounded leaves are deeply and intricately divided into 9 to 11 filigree lobes, mimicking the delicate texture of a dissected laceleaf Acer palmatum but with much larger, sturdier, and glossier leaf blades. Summer's lush emerald green erupts into a multi-toned autumn display of brilliant gold, neon orange, and crimson red simultaneously.
Growing Specifications
- Height
- 4-6 feet (10-year height unless staked taller)
- Spread
- 6-8 feet
- Watering
- Consistent moisture required; dislikes severe drought
- Light
- Morning sun, afternoon shade
- Heat Tolerance
- Moderate to Good once established
- Growth Rate
- Slow to Moderate
- Soil Requirement
- Rich, acidic, well-draining soil with high organic matter
North Texas Micro-climate Notes
Expert Curated Selection. Requires protection from the direct afternoon sun in North Texas to safeguard the large, deeply cut leaves from tip-scorch. Performs exceptionally well when given a microclimate with high ambient humidity, heavy organic mulch, and protective shade from the harsh 2 PM to 6 PM summer rays.
History & Lineage
- INTRODUCED BY
- Art Wright (Wright's Nursery)
- HISTORY
- Discovered as a standout chance seedling by the late, renowned nurseryman Art Wright of Canby, Oregon. Prized for its radical architectural departure from typical Acer japonicum habits, it was subsequently propagated and introduced to the global collectors' market, eventually earning the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Award of Garden Merit.
Care Instructions
Provide loose, well-amended acidic soil with impeccable drainage. It tends to grow laterally and cascade downward naturally; if a taller clearance or multi-tiered umbrella profile is desired, stake a dominant central leader upward when young. Keep the root zone deeply mulched to retain cooling soil moisture.
Landscape Usage
Perfect as a specimen cascading over a stone retaining wall, draping near a garden stream or pond edge, or showcased as a weeping focal point in a modern Japandi landscape configuration.
Fun Fact
While typical full moon maples have broad, shallow-lobed leaves, 'Green Cascade' breaks the mold completely with deeply incised, fern-like foliage. It mimics the look of a weeping green laceleaf maple but brings the exceptional cold hardiness and bold character of the Acer japonicum family.
Awards
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Award of Garden Merit
