Twombly’s Red Sentinel Japanese Maple

Botanical Name: Acer palmatum ‘Twombly’s Red Sentinel’

Common Name: Twombly’s Red Sentinel Japanese Maple

Mature Height and Width: 15–20' tall × 6–8' wide

Growth Habit: Strongly upright, columnar form with a narrow, vertical branching structure. Maintains a tight silhouette compared to broader red Japanese maples.

Foliage Description: Deep burgundy-red palmate leaves (5–7 lobes). Emerges rich crimson in spring and holds dark red coloration well through summer with minimal fading. Leaves are slightly smaller and more compact along vertical stems.

Flower Description: Small purplish-red spring flowers; not ornamentally significant.

Bloom Time: Mid-spring

Fall Color: Bright scarlet to crimson-red

Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; tolerates more sun than many red Japanese maples in Zones 5–7 when adequately irrigated.

Hardiness Zone: USDA Zones 5–8

Notable Landscape Uses:
Vertical accent in narrow planting beds; architectural focal point near entryways; columnar specimen for tight foundation plantings; formal garden settings; contrasting vertical element among low shrubs; suitable for limited-space residential landscapes.

Deer Resistance: Moderate
Japanese maples are not typically preferred browse, but upright forms can experience tip browsing, particularly on young plants in winter or high-pressure deer regions. Protection is recommended during establishment.

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