MAPLE OF THE YEAR
Back in 2015, our then-President Matt Nichols created the Maple of the Year award to recognize an Acer that is popular, reliable, and easily found in the retail trades—in other words, a tree that many members would enjoy having in their personal collections. Each year in the Fall, members are invited to submit their nominations with the top five presented for a vote. Below are the award winners since the program's inception.
This year a member told us about a 50 year old Japanese Maple that was reportedly the "largest and most well-formed in her state." This inspired our newest award category: the Heritage Maple of the Year. Stay tuned as we incorporate this into our process and website in summer 2025!
2024
Acer Japonicum ‘Fairy Lights'
Past Maples of the Year
Click each image to view additional photos
2023 - Acer palmatum ‘Lileeanne’s Jewel'
2022 - Acer palmatum ‘Seiryu’
2021 - Acer palmatum ‘Geisha Gone Wild’
2020 - Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’
2019 - Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’
2018 - Acer palmatum ‘Shin deshojo’
2017 - Acer palmatum ‘Orangeola’
2016 - Acer shirasawanum ‘Moonrise’
2015 - Acer palmatum ‘Mikawa yatsubusa’
