Katsura Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Part sun to shade. Palmatum Group -green – The leaves of Katsura are spectacular in the early spring when they emerge in colors of yellow and orange. The leaves mature to a bright green and then back to yellow and orange colors again in the fall. The plants grow upright with lots of twigs and side branching. Older plants are usually only 4-5’ tall but occasionally 10’+ trees are reported. Good choice for bonsai.