Butterfly Japanese Maple

24" Box

$799.99

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Butterfly Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum ‘Butterfly’

Delicate Variegated White & Green Foliage • Compact, Shrubby Habit • Lightens Up Shady Corners

$799.99

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+1 650-241-8858 (SMS ok)

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Butterfly Japanese Maple is a distinctive Acer palmatum variety prized for its refined variegated foliage. Its small, delicate leaves emerge green with soft creamy-white margins, creating a light, airy appearance that brightens the garden without overpowering surrounding plants.

Unlike bold red Japanese Maples that dominate visually, Butterfly offers subtle contrast and texture, making it an excellent choice for layered landscapes and smaller garden spaces. The fine variegation adds interest throughout the growing season, while fall brings gentle transitions into soft pink, rose, and light red tones under the right conditions.

Butterfly Japanese Maple performs well in Bay Area gardens, where mild temperatures support steady growth and reduce stress on variegated foliage. Its compact, upright habit makes it especially suitable for patios, courtyards, entryways, and locations where detail and proportion matter more than size.

This variety is often selected by homeowners who appreciate refined details and want a Japanese Maple that complements architecture, stonework, and modern design elements. Butterfly pairs beautifully with evergreens, mossy groundcovers, and neutral hardscapes, adding elegance without visual heaviness.

For best results, plant in partial sun or filtered light. Protection from strong afternoon sun helps preserve the crisp white margins and overall leaf quality. Well-drained soil and consistent watering during establishment are key to long-term health.

Each Butterfly Japanese Maple is selected for balanced branching, healthy variegation, and overall form—not just height—making it a dependable, low-maintenance choice for homeowners seeking a refined accent tree with unique foliage character.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage: Striking palmate leaves with irregular white margins that turn crimson-edged in fall against green centers.Flowers: Small reddish spring flowers in clusters, developing into decorative winged samaras.Habit: Upright, vase-shaped form with tight branching structure.Bark: Attractive gray-green stems with winter interest
Mature Height: 7-12 ft
Mature Width: 8 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Needs: Partial shade (afternoon shade recommended)
Key Advantages:Vibrant variegated foliage with dramatic seasonal color change.Naturally compact vertical growth ideal for small spaces.Excellent container specimen.More sun-tolerant than most variegated cultivars
Landscape Uses:Eye-catching accent for urban courtyards.Japanese garden focal point.Container planting for patios/entries.Lightens shady garden corners

Q: Is Butterfly Japanese Maple suitable for the Bay Area climate?
A: Yes. It performs well in Bay Area conditions, especially when protected from intense afternoon sun.

Q: Does Butterfly Japanese Maple keep its variegation all season?
A: Yes. The green-and-cream variegation remains visible throughout the growing season.

Q: Is Butterfly Japanese Maple more delicate than other varieties?
A: Variegated foliage benefits from some sun protection, but overall maintenance is similar to other Japanese Maples.

Q: How large does Butterfly Japanese Maple grow?
A: It typically matures as a small to medium-sized tree, suitable for compact residential landscapes.

Q: Where does Butterfly Japanese Maple look best in a garden?
A: It works especially well near patios, walkways, and areas where close viewing highlights its detailed foliage.