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Acer palmatum 
The Wig Maple is among the first cultivars of Acer palmatum to show signs of life as winter ends. (Some might call it a hairbinger of spring.) In April, as this bulletin goes to the printer, the Wig Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’) has fully unfurled its yellowy-orange new leaves, which may look to some like tiny blonde wigs perched on twiggy "necks". The foliage of the Wig Maple’s near twin, 'Orange Dream', debuts a little later, but the plant is otherwise much the same. The glowing new leaves of both varieties announce the change of season with a subtle fanfare, and both varieties will grow into smallish trees of 8-12 ft. at maturity. The hundred or so other varieties of the nursery’s stock of Japanese Maples will be fully leafed out and looking their best in May and June, so do stop by to appreciate their lovely, fresh foliage. Most are in one-gallon size containers, which sell for between $22. and $38., depending on variety. While it’s best to choose a Japanese Maple on the basis of such considerations as height, form, leaf color, leaf shape and light requirements, it can be fun to choose a variety simply because its name is appealing or interesting. Besides the Wig Maple, for example, you might want to make room in your compound for other Acer palmatum varieties with intriguing names like:
– Margaret
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