Green Cascade Acer palmatum

Most weeping Japanese maples are red. ‘Green Cascade’ proves the form never needed red leaves to be beautiful.

This cultivar grows as a true cascading laceleaf — branches arch outward and then fall in long graceful layers, forming a wide umbrella of finely dissected foliage. In spring the leaves emerge bright fresh green, soft and almost translucent. Summer deepens them to a cool medium green that feels restful rather than flashy, making it one of the best maples for calming a busy planting. When autumn finally arrives, the entire canopy turns clear gold and yellow, sometimes washed with apricot, lighting up shady corners when other plants are fading.

Because the branches naturally descend, the tree is best planted where it can spill over a slope, low wall, raised bed, or pond edge. Planted flat on the lawn it still grows well — but given elevation, it becomes a landscape feature.

This is not a tall tree. It is a ground-shaping tree, one that softens stone, water, and hard architecture without blocking views.

Mature Size
4–6 ft. tall (depending on staking)
8–12 ft. wide

Growth Rate
Moderate

Light Requirements
Morning sun with afternoon shade in warm climates
Performs well in filtered light

Soil
Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5)

Watering
Consistent moisture during establishment
Avoid both drought stress and waterlogged soil

Cold Hardiness
USDA Zones 5–9

Landscape Uses

• Over retaining walls or slopes

• Near ponds and water features

• Courtyard centerpiece

• Patio accent planting

• Rock gardens and Japanese-style gardens

Minimal pruning required. Remove only dead or crossing wood. The natural cascading structure should never be sheared; shaping a weeping maple defeats its purpose.

Stake the main leader while young if you want additional height. Left alone, it will form a low flowing canopy that behaves almost like a living groundcover.

DISCLAIMER - WE ADVISE THAT THE BEST TIME TO SHIP IS FROM OCTOBER TO MAY. SHIPPING OUTSIDE OF THAT TIME PERIOD CAN BE EXTREMELY STRESSFUL TO ANY LIVING PLANT. ON MOST OCCASIONS, PLANTS WILL SURVIVE THAT STRESS AND GO ON TO THRIVE. HOWEVER, OCCASIONALLY SOME WILL PERISH.  WE DO NOT GUARANTEE TREES THAT WE DON’T PLANT, SO ONLINE SALES ARE AS IS. WE DO NOT SHIP TREES IN CONTAINERS/POTS AS TO AVOID EXCESSIVE SHIPPING CHARGES. WE SECURE TREE ROOTS IN LARGE PLASTIC BAGS PACKED WITH WET MEDIUM. IF YOU WISH TO SPECIFY A SHIP DATE, PLEASE INCLUDE A NOTE WITH YOUR ORDER. OTHER WISE IT WILL SHIP AS SOON AS WERE ABLE. WE DO NOT ACCEPT CANCELLATIONS ONCE AN ORDER IS PLACED. PLEASE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE ORDERING. SHIPPING TO ALASKA AND HAWAII IS EXTRA. OUR SHIPPING TIMEFRAME IS AN ESTIMATE NOT A GUARANTEE AS WE ARE AFFECTED BY WEATHER EVENTS, STAFFING ETC. Acer palmatum ' Green Cascade ' tree ready for sale. This is a grafted bare root tree with a strong root system. Measures roughly 2' with generous branching. Acer japonicum ‘Green Cascade’ is an extremely ornate selection with finely dissected, multi-lobed, emerald green leaves. Its graceful, weeping habit forms a mounding, almost waterfall, appearance in the garden. Fall color ranges from brilliant yellow-orange to rich red.  Growing zone 5-8. Please ask any questions you may have.