Acer palmatum ‘Arakawa’ (Japanese Maple)

Noted for its remarkable bark, Acer palmatum ‘Arakawa’ is a vigorous deciduous tree of upright habit, adorned with delicate foliage of palmate leaves, each adorned with 5-7 slender tipped lobes. Emerging fresh green in spring, the foliage retains its color throughout the summer before gradually changing to brilliant golden yellow in the fall. The bark gets rough and corky on mature specimens (3-5 years old), with creases, cracks, and fissures, providing year-round ornamental interest. A very interesting Japanese maple that is perfect for bonsai use and the landscape.

• Grows up to 20-25 ft. tall (600-750 cm) and 18-20 ft. wide (540-600 cm).
• A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Best leaf color in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated. A lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch.
• Perfect as a specimen plant in cottage gardens, city gardens, or Japanese gardens and containers.
• Low maintenance, this plant needs little pruning. If pruning is necessary, prune during the dormant season and avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running. Fertilize in spring before the leaves emerge.
• It may be affected by horse chestnut scale, aphids, and verticillium wilt.
• Propagate by grafting or softwood cuttings.
• Acer palmatum is native to Japan, Korea, China, eastern Mongolia, and southeast Russia.