Acer palmatum (variety unknown)
Two different kinds of Japanese Maples are found along Mapleton Road, but we need to figure out the cultivars are. They are not October Glory.
The blooms are preceded by pincushion-shaped buds, which open into flowers well before the leaves arrive, so their beauty can be readily appreciated. The bloom color of the rubra variety starts out reddish before morphing to pink. The scaly bark is relatively distinctive and can be used along with the branching pattern to identify the genus even when no leaves, blooms, or berries are present. This small tree will grow to 15 to 30 feet tall. It is best grown in partial shade.