Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is beloved not only for its shape (which ranges from umbrella to spreading, depending on cultivar) but also for its palm-shaped leaves. They're green or burgundy, full or deeply cut and always colorful in autumn. The green-leaved Japanese maples have the best fall foliage color, as you can see in the photo, but the burgundy varieties aren't too shabby, taking on a brighter hue of red. Japanese maples like part sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. They are hardy in Zones 5 or 6-8, depending on cultivar.