Red Japanese Maple or Nomura-momiji acer (Acer palmatum cv. sanguineum) is a deciduous small tree celebrated for its striking red-to-purple foliage that evolves through the seasons. Unlike standard Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) that green up in spring, the new growth of sanguineum (meaning “bloody” or “deep red”) emerges dark purple to brilliant red. In summer, the foliage tends to transition to deep green or bronze, followed by a vibrant purple-red autumn display.
Nomura-momiji acer with samaras, Koyodai Entrance, Narusawa-mura, Yamanashi, 5/23/2026
Japanese maple (Acer palmatum): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_palmatum; https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/acer-palmatum/
Samara, a winged achene: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samara_(fruit); https://mgnv.org/plants/glossary/glossary-samara/
Midai South Park: (In Japanese) https://midaiminamikoen.com/plant/detail.php?plant_id=71