Nicholsonii (Acer palmatum ‘Nicholsonii’)

Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' is a deciduous Japanese maple cultivar with a spreading habit, narrow sharply pointed leaf lobes, reddish-purple spring foliage, green summer leaves, and yellow-to-crimson fall color.

Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' can reach about 15 feet tall and wide in suitable conditions, although many nursery-grown trees remain smaller for years. Some references list a mature range of roughly 13 to 26 feet.

Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' is generally considered hardy from USDA Zones 5 through 9. Cold tolerance can vary with exposure, plant age, winter wind, and whether the tree is growing in the ground or a container.

Yes, Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' is a Japanese maple cultivar. It is also classified within the Matsumurae group, which is characterized by deeply divided, toothed leaf lobes.

Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' grows in full sun to partial shade, but partial shade is often preferable in hot or dry climates. Full sun works best when the soil stays evenly moist and the site is protected from drying winds.

Plant Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' in a sheltered location with well-drained, moisture-retentive soil and protection from strong afternoon heat or wind. An eastern or northern exposure is often useful in warmer parts of the United States.

Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' prefers moisture-retentive, well-drained loam. It can tolerate clay, loam, or sandy soil if drainage is adequate and the root zone does not dry out repeatedly.

Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' can grow in acidic, neutral, or mildly alkaline soil, provided the soil is well drained and fertile. Avoid correcting pH unnecessarily unless a soil test shows a problem.

Water Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' deeply whenever the top few inches of soil begin to dry, especially during its first two growing seasons. Increase watering during hot, dry spells, but do not keep the roots in standing water.

Prevent leaf scorch by maintaining even soil moisture, applying a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch, and protecting the tree from hot, drying wind. Scorch is more likely when full sun combines with drought, heat, or exposed conditions.

Brown leaf edges on Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' are commonly caused by drought, hot wind, excessive sun, or root stress. Check soil moisture and drainage first, and avoid fertilizer during periods of heat or water stress.

Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' usually needs little fertilizer when planted in reasonably fertile soil. If growth is weak, apply a light, balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring after confirming the issue is not drought, poor drainage, or root damage.

Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' may be affected by aphids, caterpillars, gall mites, or scale insects. Inspect new growth and leaf undersides, and use the least disruptive treatment necessary if a pest population is causing noticeable damage.

Potential problems include leaf scorch, Verticillium wilt, and honey fungus, although healthy trees in suitable sites are less likely to suffer serious disease. Good drainage, careful watering, and avoiding root or trunk injuries reduce risk.

Plant Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' in spring or fall, when temperatures are moderate and soil moisture is reliable. Fall planting is often effective in regions with mild autumns, while spring is safer in areas with severe winters.

Dig a hole about twice the root-ball width and no deeper than the root ball, set the tree with its original soil level slightly above surrounding ground, backfill with native soil, and water thoroughly. Mulch the root zone without touching the trunk.

Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' can grow in a large container while young, but its spreading mature size makes in-ground planting preferable for long-term growth. Use a pot with drainage holes and check moisture frequently during summer.

Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' can be grown as bonsai, especially when started from suitable nursery material or propagated vegetatively. Its relatively strong growth and attractive seasonal foliage make it useful, but graft unions and branch structure require careful selection.

Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' is commonly propagated by grafting, layering, or softwood cuttings. Seed will not reliably reproduce the named cultivar because seedlings can differ from the parent.

You can grow a Japanese maple from seed, but seed-grown plants should not be expected to remain true to Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii'. To preserve this cultivar’s characteristics, use grafting, layering, or a successful cutting.

Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' can be propagated from softwood cuttings, although success may be variable and nursery grafting is more dependable. Take healthy current-season shoots under clean, humid conditions and use a well-drained rooting medium.

Prune Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' in late fall through midwinter, when the tree is dormant and its branch structure is visible. Remove dead, damaged, crossing, or poorly placed branches while preserving its natural spreading form.

Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' generally needs only light structural pruning. Avoid routine heavy pruning because it can spoil the tree’s natural form, stimulate weak growth, and increase stress or sap bleeding.

No specific toxicity is documented for Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii', but evidence for this exact cultivar is limited. Do not encourage people or animals to eat ornamental plant material, and contact a medical or veterinary professional if ingestion causes symptoms.

Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' produces small, inconspicuous spring flowers that are not its main ornamental feature. The tree is primarily grown for its reddish spring foliage, green summer leaves, and colorful fall display.

The new leaves of Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' emerge purplish red, often with a noticeable reddish or bronze cast. They typically mature toward olive green or rich green during summer.

Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' can develop yellow, orange, and brilliant crimson fall color. The exact display depends on autumn temperatures, sunlight, moisture, and the local growing season.

Yes, Acer palmatum 'Nicholsonii' is deciduous and loses its leaves in fall or early winter. Its bare branches remain dormant until new foliage emerges in spring.