Acer argutum is native to Japan in the areas near bodies of water such as rivers and streams, at elevations of 800–1900 metres. It is found of the woodland, subalpine mountainous areas of Honshu and Shikoku in Japan. It is often found at the edges of forests, as it requires partial sunlight; it grows in any type of soil and tolerates all pH levels.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.