Origin
The Acer 'Skeeter's Broom' is a cultivar of the Japanese maple and has its origin in North America. The nickname 'Skeeter's Broom' originated because the foliage of the plant closely resembles the broom of an insect called a 'skeeter'. This plant was only officially recognised and named in the 1990s, which is relatively recent in the world of botany.

Characteristics
The Skeeter's Broom, also known as Acer palmatum 'Skeeter's Broom', distinguishes itself by its unique, intensely deep red leaves that eventually turn into vibrant red in the autumn. The plant has an upright, narrow growth form and reaches a height of about three meters. In the spring, the Acer 'Skeeter's Broom' blooms with small purple flowers that contrast strikingly with the red leaves. Another notable characteristic is the plant's drought resistance, a feature not common among most maples.

Care
Acer 'Skeeter's Broom' requires some specific care to thrive. It requires a sunny to semi-shady location and a well-draining soil. Although the plant is drought-resistant, it still needs regular watering during prolonged periods of drought. The plant is exceptionally frost-resistant and tolerates winter temperatures down to -20 degrees Celsius. When pruning the Acer 'Skeeter's Broom', one should be careful to preserve the unique shape of the plant. Finally, it is advisable to apply an organic mulch around the base of the plant annually to maintain the humidity levels.