I know that most of us grow JMs for their leaves, bark or form; however, they're very few threads (if any) dedicated to their flowers. I know they're tiny and don't last too much, but I think that for a wise observer (as we are, I know), this is one more attribute of these beautiful plants. Today, I got my camera to take some pictures of the new leaves of my maples; but suddenly I was observing them from a different perspective: so I set my camera to a macro and took some pictures that I show below. No doubt, these trees have some special to get the people hooked with them! I will throw a (tricky) question for the forum: Which is the best JM's flower? My first choice goes for 'Maiku Jaku' (Aconitifolium). Nelson Here some pics (taken today): 1,2 from A.S 'Aureum', 3,4,5 from A.J. 'Aconitifolium', 6 from A.P. 'Purple Ghost', 7,8 from A.P. 'Butterfly', 9&10 from A.P. 'Osakasuki'
I vote for Aconitifolium! Isn't it a little odd for maples to be blooming just now? Unless you're in Australia of course...
Good topic, Kaitain. I have been collecting & planting seeds this month and was surprised to see the rare maple in flower like you as well. I am very tuned in to samaras but I must say I must pay much more attention to the flowering aspect of our beloved maples. This topic will help.
Well, Kaitan, I have to deal with it here. Certainly, if they were in their 'normal' zone, they must be with full leaves and with their usual fall splendor. However, here in this semi-tropical area, JMs are affected by high temperatures for long periods, so their behavior is -as your correctly say- ''oddly". Until now, usually I got two 'bloom' seasons: the formal in spring time (as everybody), and other bloom in Sept/October. This is due the fact that during our long summer time most of them get their leaves fried (no matter what I do, or don't do); especially during July/August, so for mid September they're almost bald. As soon the temperature drop a little bit and stay in the 60-80s, they start to bloom again. Remember that here we have mild winter time (40-50s) and very short periods below this range during mid January and February. (This is the 'winter frame' that my maples get bare again). As soon as the temp starts to go up (March?), then again JMs wake up and leaf out again . Yes, K4, pretty odd indeed. I don't know for sure if people in California, Louisiana, or other southern States have same behavior, but I think that Jim (Mr. Shep), wrote about this in other threads. Nelson
It is a little disturbing to see those trees flowering right now. I vote for AS palmatifolium. I have a pic somewhere. Also 'Osakazuki' is a great beauty when flowering.
I've seen similar behaviour with Aesculus hippocastanum at low altitudes in southeastern Europe, with leaves burnt off by the late summer and a second 'spring' leaf-out and flowering in the autumn. Aesculus and Acer are fairly closely related, so the comparison is probably valid.
Over here I have never seen flowers on anything except Aconitifolium I must check more closely next season :)
I agree Osakazuki has beautiful flowers that make a nice contrast to the large reddish bud scales. But I find the japonicums more showy flower-wise, led by Aconitifolium. rubrum has beautiful flowers as shown in my Avatar... ;) and cappidocicum ssp sinicum's are very showy. -E
Nelson, Great topic and one of my favorite aspects of maples. I have included some flower photos of A.J. 'Itaya' below. The flowers as so heavy that they often break the new branches that hold them. Ed
Yes those really are spectacular Ed, thanks! Alex, I agree the contrast between the yellow flowers and the bronze young leaves of Crimson King is fantastic. Now if only my CK would flower! -E
Great pics, Ed & Alex. I have never seen Higasayama in flower although I love the "popcorn kernel" look of the nascent leaves. Great photography, Ed. Alex, my plat "Crimson Sentry" has wonderful flowers like your CK. I love the long dangling raceme-like flowers of the pseudoplatanus variegates like Leopoldii..
I guess that with the title of the thread A. erianthum is excluded since it is Chinese ;o)). It has the showiest flowers of all Asiatic maples. I cannot show them though since I am still waiting for them in my tree. I agree that Japonicums have abundant flowers, the first pic is a close up of aconitifolium's. Of the palmatums, osakazuki is great but more even so when the flowers and samaras are together as shown in pics 2, 3 and 4. On the other hand a plain palmatum seedling could also put together an amazing display as shown in pics 5 and 6; Gomero
As, usual Ed, your pictures talk by themselves. 'Itaya' is really nice. Certainly the japonicums have astounding flowers. By the way, considering the amount of maples in your collection, and their mature sizes, for sure you are in excellent position for comparative purposes. Also Gomero, alex and emery -located on the other side of the pond- with their excellent collections add other valuable opinions (and pics). It's a topic that probably will continue to expand until next spring. To all, Thanks for share these nice pictures. Nelson Nelson
Gomero, just for curiosity, Can you post some pictures of these flowers (even if they're not from your tree)? Nelson PD: Next time I will rename the thread as 'Asian Maples flowers' or plain "Maple flowers" instead...
I know, it seems odd, but some of my JMs are still flowering (and I'm not in Australia). Just an update of flowers. This time pics from 'Osakazuki', taken yesterday.
