Maples Selected By Habitat

Finding the right Japanese maple isn't just about choosing a color or form you love — it's about matching the tree to your garden's conditions. Plant the wrong variety in the wrong spot and even a beautiful maple will struggle. Get it right, and it will thrive for decades.

At Mendocino Maples Nursery, we've spent more than 30 years growing, grafting, and observing hundreds of Acer palmatum, japonicum, and shirasawanum varieties across a wide range of climates and conditions. This collection is the result of that experience — trees grouped by where they actually perform best, not just where they'll survive.

Browse by habitat to find your perfect match:

- Maples for Shady Areas — varieties that thrive with dappled light or morning sun, ideal for woodland gardens and north-facing beds

- Maples for Hot and Sunny Areas — heat-tolerant selections that hold their color without scorching in full sun exposure

- Maples that do Well in Cold Climates — cold-hardy varieties rated to Zone 5 and below, proven performers in harsh winters

- Maples with Unusual Bark — four-season interest with striking winter bark color and texture, from coral red to silver snake bark

All trees are expert-grafted and container-grown at our Northern California nursery and shipped nationwide every Monday. Free shipping on orders over $99.