Confused Acer?

[bennybonsai]

I have a big group of Acers from last year and this one popped up amongst them. I've obviously seperated it from the group. Does this happen often when grown amongst grasses/other growth?

 

[Gabler]

I have a big group of Acers from last year and this one popped up amongst them. I've obviously seperated it from the group. Does this happen often when grown amongst grasses/other growth?View attachment 590378

I find that maple seeds will germinate anywhere there's moisture, which includes turf.

 

[Kanorin]

I don't see anything abnormal about this seedling.

 

[Gabler]

Wait. I think I get what you're asking. Are you wondering why it germinated a year late? Some seeds just do that. Some species are also known for their "double dormancy" I've even had yew seeds germinate three years after planting them.

 

[Shibui]

Wait. I think I get what you're asking. Are you wondering why it germinated a year late? Some seeds just do that. Some species are also known for their "double dormancy" I've even had yew seeds germinate three years after planting them.

Delayed germination is a survival strategy. If drought, fire or other catastrophe wipes out all the early starters, the late starters might just survive. Species from hostile environments do it more than those from places with regular water and predictable temperature fluctuations. Japanese maples are not known for delayed germination but there will always be an occasional one that is slower.
I don't think grasses and other growth are likely to have caused delayed germination though.

I get odd seedlings germinating in pots every year but that's mostly because nearby trees keep dropping fresh seeds in the pots.