Acer palmatum 'Catalina Mendoza' Japanese Maple

'Catalina Mendoza' is a dwarf Japanese maple of the Mikawa yatsubusa type, characterized by densely stacked internodes that create a naturally layered, sculptural form even when young. Its narrow, pointed leaflets feature irregular, ruffled margins and emerge in bright lime-green in spring, maintaining dense foliage throughout the growing season before turning orange to red in autumn. The naturally curving branching framework makes it particularly suited to bonsai, container cultivation, and close-view garden placements. Best grown in morning sun or dappled light with afternoon shade in hot climates, in well-drained soil kept evenly moist.