Acer Going GreenJapanese Maple 'Going Green' Acer palmatum 'Going Green' 'Going Green' is a Japanese maple that earns its name fresh, bright green foliage from spring through summer that becomes the main event in autumn, turning through yellow, gold, and orange as the season closes. It's a more understated choice than the red leaved varieties but no less rewarding, and the green foliage works particularly well as a foil for other plants in a mixed planting scheme.