Genus guide
Acer — 30 species
Part of the Maples & horse chestnuts family (Sapindaceae)
Acer (maple) encompasses deciduous trees and shrubs celebrated for outstanding autumn colour, elegant leaf shape, and suitability as bonsai subjects. Trident Maple (A. buergerianum) and Japanese Maple cultivars such as Deshojo and Seigen thrive outdoors in full sun to partial afternoon shade, needing consistently moist but well-drained soil and generous water during summer growth flushes — never allow roots to dry out completely. Pet safety varies across the genus: several species including Amur Maple are confirmed non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, but Red Maple is toxic to horses and some species remain unclassified, so verify each before planting near pets.
All Acer species we cover
- Acer capillipes
- Acer griseum
- Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium'
- Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'
- Acer palmatum 'Butterfly'
- Acer palmatum 'Dissectum'
- Acer palmatum 'Garnet'
- Acer palmatum 'Orangeola'
- Acer rubrum
- Acer rubrum 'Autumn Blaze'
- Acer rubrum 'October Glory'
- Bloodgood Japanese Maple
- Coral Bark Japanese Maple 'Sango-kaku'
- Coral Bark Maple
- Deshojo Japanese Maple
- Full Moon Maple
- Japanese Maple
- Japanese Maple 'Bloodgood'
- Japanese Maple 'Crimson Queen'
- Japanese Maple 'Dissectum'
- Japanese Maple 'Osakazuki'
- Japanese Maple 'Sango Kaku'
- Japanese Maple 'Tamukeyama'
- Laceleaf Japanese Maple 'Crimson Queen'
- Norway Maple
- Seigen Japanese Maple
- Shohin Japanese Maple
- Sycamore Maple
- Trident Maple
- Trident Maple 'Kifu'
Acer — frequently asked questions
Are Acer plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Acer are pet-safe. Of the 30 Acer species we cover, 19 are non-toxic on the ASPCA list and 11 carry a toxic or mildly-toxic rating. Even so, confirm the individual species before trusting it around pets.
How much light do Acer plants need?
Most Acer do best in bright indirect light. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Acer easy to care for?
Acer are moderate to grow: the main requirement is a genuinely bright spot out of harsh midday sun. Get the light right and the rest of their care follows.
How many Acer varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 30 Acer species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Acer, the rest follow closely.
Comparing apps rather than plants? PictureThis alternatives — 7 plant ID apps compared.