There are more than 1,000 different varieties of Japanese maple, varying in size, shape, leaf color, and ability to resist various climatic conditions. Native to Japan, Korea and China, the Japanese maple is widely cultivated throughout the world as a decorative garden plant. Its leaves are green in the spring and summer, but turn bright red, orange, or gold in the fall. In Japanese culture, Acer palmatum symbolizes beauty, peace, and elegance.