What is a waterfall Japanese maple?

Waterfall Japanese maples are deciduous shrubs of the species Acer palmatum. They are native to Japan, Korea and China and are used as garden shrubs all over the world.

The waterfall cultivar is a variation on maple stock that develops longer leaves than the common Japanese maple. Waterfall trees are also shorter than other maple varieties, usually topping out at around 12 feet tall. A large, drooping canopy of leaves produces a characteristic "weeping" effect. The trees grow well in moist, well-drained soils and thrive in sandy loams. Waterfall Japanese maples have dark green leaves that turn red and yellow in the fall.