Nippon Maple         AY-ser nip-PON-i-cum

• Broadleaf deciduous tree, 50-65 ft (~15-20 m); bark smooth, gray-brown.  The terminal bud is often aborted or lacking.  Leaves opposite, simple,about 15 × 15 cm, base deeply cordate, 3 to 5-lobed, lobes shallow, oval and terminated in a short point, middle lobe largest, margin doubly serrate, upper surface with an embossed and uneven texture, light green, underside pubescent; turn golden yellow to brown in the fall; petiole, green, to 15 cm long.  Flower clusters (racemes) large, dense, and erect, appearing with the leaves.  Fruit wings 3 to 5 cm long, held at obtuse angles, nutlets globose (seeds often sterile).
• Light to deep shade.  
• Hardy to USDA Zone (5?) 6      Native to mountainous forests of Japan, at altitudes of 900-1800 m (~2900-5900 ft); rare.
• Federal Way, Washington: Rhododendron Species Foundation & Botanical Garden