Best Leaves for Fall Color

Japanese Maple

(Acer palmatum)
The most airy and delicate of all maples. Reliable color in all but the coldest mountain and low desert areas. Varieties with colorful leaves include 'Atropurpureum' (bronzy green); 'Bloodgood' (scarlet); 'Bonfire' (orange-pink); 'Ever Red' (crimson).

This native of Japan and Korea is slow growing to 20 feet; normally many stemmed. Young spring growth is red; summer's leaves are soft green. After fall's color, slender leafless branches in greens and reds provide winter interest. Plants fare best in filtered shade, though full sun can be satisfactory.