Light Up Your Yard With a Japanese Maple

10. Fun Facts About Japanese Maples

Though they are slow-growing, Japanese maples can live to be over 100 years old. Samaras, the maple seeds, look and act like propellers when they twirl to the ground. Children often enjoy playing with these in the spring. Pretty, papery maple leaves are used to make bouquets and decorations in Japan. Fried maple leaves are a popular Japanese snack. They are prepared according to a traditional recipe where they are dipped and fried in tempura batter.