Acer pycnanthum, Japanese red maple, (ハナノキ, hananoki, or 花の木, hanakaede, meaning "flower maple") is a species of maple native to Japan, and introduced to Korea. A tree usually about 20 m, reaching 30 m, it prefers to grow in relict mountain wetlands. It flowers in April, prior to the emergence of leaves. Although considered Vulnerable in its native habitat, it has found some use as a street tree, and is the official tree of a number of Japanese municipalities and of Aichi Prefecture. * Spring flowers and leaf buds