Origin
The Acer palmatum 'Butterfly' is a Japanese maple that has its origin in East Asia. The botanical name refers to Palmatum, which refers to the hand-shaped leaves of the plant. This coveted ornamental tree is part of the maple group, the Sapindaceae family.

Characteristics
The Acer palmatum 'Butterfly' is known for its lobed leaves that have the shape of a butterfly, hence the nickname 'Butterfly'. In spring, the plant shows surprising colours, ranging from light green to white, with shades of soft pink. In autumn, the leaves change into vibrant shades of orange and red. The growth of this type of maple is slow and the mature height can eventually be 2 to 4 meters.

Care
The Acer palmatum 'Butterfly' is a fairly easy plant to care for. It prefers well-draining, fertile soil and a spot in the semi-shade or full sun. This species suffers from drought, therefore regular watering during dry periods is important. The plant does not have any specific pruning needs, but a light shape pruning in late winter or early spring is well tolerated. Regular fertilization during the growth season promotes the health and vitality of the plant.