Butterfly Japanese Maple – Unusual leaf color

Q: I purchased a Butterfly Japanese maple tree last fall. However, there are a few leaves sprouting that do not look like its normal delicate pale green leaves trimmed in cream and pink. They are big and green.

A: ‘Butterfly’ Japanese maple is beautiful but the variegated leaves can sometimes revert to solid green. If you do nothing, eventually the green leaves and branches will take over the tree. Clip them off whenever you notice them.