

Each leaf has several lobes (typically 5–7) that all originate from one point looking like an open hand with outstretched fingers. Specific epithet is in reference to the palmate nature of the leaves. Genus name is the Latin name for a maple tree. Dissectum means deeply cut in reference to the deeply cut, feathery nature of the leaves. These dissected-leaf shrubs are commonly called laceleaf Japanese maple, cutleaf Japanese maple or threadleaf Japanese maple. Palmate leaves, each having 7-11 deeply incised lobes, are deeply cut to the base of the leaf. dissectum is typically a much smaller, rounded, slow-growing shrubby form (often with cascading branching) that rarely matures to more than 12' tall with a larger spread. Fall color includes an often spectacular combination of shades of yellow, red, purple and bronze. Small reddish-purple flowers in umbels bloom in spring (April) followed by winged samaras in pairs which ripen in September-October. Each palmate green leaf (2-5" long) has 5 to 7 but less frequently 9 toothed lobes.

General plant form is rounded to broad-rounded, often with low branching. Acer palmatum, commonly called Japanese Maple, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows to 10-25' (infrequently to 40') tall.
