Eastfork Nursery - Rare and Unusual Japanese Maples

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   Acer palmatum 'Aka Shigitatsu sawa' [new growth]

A small to medium sized variegated maple; it is the red-tinged form of Shigitatsu Sawa. As the bud first opens the inner bud scales and new leaves are maroon. When fully opened the typical color of the leaves is variegated yellow with pink to red highlights. The leaves are reticulated, however, the veins are not prominently displayed in the new growth. The striking feature of this cultivar is the ever changing colors from spring through summer to fall.  Each tree seems to have its own particular variegation depending upon the amount and type of sunlight. Summer heat creates a dark maroon color for the new growth with existing leaves turning to various shades of green. Trees that are grown in more shade will display new growth with lavender highlights. Recommended sun exposure is in the morning with some shade protection in the hot afternoon sun. Estimated height in 10 years is 8' with a width of the same size.

A true kaleidoscope of color for maple lovers.

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               Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum'

The common name for this cultivar is 'Golden Full Moon Maple' an older cultivar in the same genus as the Autumn Moon Maple [Acer shirasawanum Autumn Moon]

A small to medium sized tree with wonderful color throughout the growing season. The new growth is an exquisite lime green. Summer color is a golden lime green with a tinge of red along the edges of each leaf. The Golden Full Moon Maple is a most spectacular tree. Recommended sun exposure is in the morning with some shade protection in the hot afternoon sun. Fall colors are some of the best for any Japanese Maple ranging from gold to orange to red often on each individual leaf.

This cultivar is highly desired for a smaller partial shade garden. Placement in either a Northern or Eastern location would be best. It is an extremely slow grower which may reach 8' in 15 years.

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            Acer palmatum 'Amber Ghost'

Amber Ghost is another new cultivar in the Ghost Series developed by Talon Buchholz with Buchholz and Buchholz Nursery in Gaston, Oregon. A distinguishing feature of Amber Ghost is the bright purple color of new bark.

A small to medium sized tree with variegated reticulated leaves. The term reticulated relates to the visibility of the veins in the leaves. The leaves vary from greenish lavender to a darker purple red tone. Often the leaves are tinged with different colors of purple hues around the edges which provides the unusual look that is distinctive in the Ghost Series. As with other variegated maples,  some shade in hot afternoon sun is preferred. Fall colors range from gold to orange. A collector's must.

This cultivar is highly desired for a smaller partial shade garden. Placement in either a Northern or Eastern location would be best. A moderately growing maple may reach 8' high and nearly as wide.

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    Acer palmatum 'Beni otake'

Beni otake is a tall red maple in the Linearilobum Group. The name in Japanese is 'Big Red Bamboo.' This fast-growing upright tree has purple-red leaves and a growth habit that would suggest the look of bamboo.

The deep purple-red foliage is outstanding in the spring with the red coloring holding well in a hot summer. Fall color is crimson red.

This cultivar grows to 12' in 10 years. Eventually, Beni otake may reach 15' at full maturity. The growth habit is tall and narrow making Beni otake a wonderful addition to a smaller garden area. Some pruning may be necessary for shipment.

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            Acer palmatum 'Beni schichihenge'

This cultivar is known for its wonderful variegation. Similar to the Butterfly maple, Beni schichihenge displays stronger color - orange/pink with the cream and green leaves. Also Beni schichihenge does not grow as fast or become as twiggy as Butterfly.  Nicely shaped, Beni schichihenge can handle strong wind and hot sun.

This cultivar is highly desired for smaller gardens and can be grown in full sun or partial shade. Fall colors change to pink and red.

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   Acer palmatum 'Beni shi en'

This cultivar is in the variegated group whose name in Japanese means 'Red Smoke'. This rare and unusual maple provides color changes throughout the summer and into the fall. New growth is feathery with a rosy-red  color which changes to purple and then to medium green with a light green mid-rib. Fall colors hold longer than most maples and vary from a pinkish-red tint to a rosy hue.

Beni shi en is has a moderate growth habit to form a small upright tree. In 10 years the tree may reach 7'. This maple makes a wonderful specimen for a small garden with its changing seasonal interest.

Beni shi en is a good selection for either bonsai, a patio container or a focal point in a small garden. Some pruning may be necessary for shipment.

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   Acer palmatum 'Emperor I'

Similar to Bloodgood, but better growth rate and leaf color retention. Plant in full sun or in partial shade; however the more sun the tree receives the better the red-burgundy summer color.   Emperor I turns a brilliant scarlet red in the fall.

This cultivar rapidly grows to 15' in 10 years. Eventually, Emperor I may reach 20' at full maturity. Good tree as a large specimen in the garden.

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    Acer palmatum dissectum 'Filigree'

 This cultivar is not widely found in the plant trade. Filigree as the name implies is a feathery lace-leaf maple in the green category. One of the smallest of the dissectum group. Filigree  requires shade in the afternoon to prevent the fine lace leaves from burning in the hot sun. Ideal for a small garden or water feature because it is slow growing. This rare and unusual maple is a good selection for either bonsai, a patio container or a focal point in a small garden.

Fall colors blend from yellow to gold.

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   Acer palmatum 'Fireglow'

Picture shows leaves turning from burgundy to crimson red.

Similar to Bloodgood and Emperor, but not the leaves are not as deeply divided and the summer color is red rather than burgundy. Though a vigorous upright grower, this maple will not reach the height and spread of Bloodgood. In the spring the new leaves emerge with a very bright pink red color. Even in the hottest summer climates, Fireglow holds it red color without burning.  Although vigorous in  its growth pattern, this tree is still a good choice for patio containers.

This cultivar rapidly grows to 10' in 10 years. Eventually, Fireglow may reach 15' at full maturity. Good selection for a medium sized specimen in the garden. Fall color is scarlet red. Some pruning may be necessary for shipment.

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       Acer palmatum 'First Ghost'

First picture is new growth and the second picture shows the beginning of the fall color change.

First Ghost is the initial new cultivar in the Ghost Series developed by Talon Buchholz with Buchholz and Buchholz Nursery in Gaston, Oregon. The first picture showing the unusual leaf structure and color of First Ghost is courtesy of Talon Buchholz.

A small to medium sized tree with variegated reticulated leaves. The term reticulated relates to the visibility of the veins in the leaves. The yellow toned leaves tinged with pink around the edges provides an unusual look that is distinctive in the Ghost Series. As with other variegated maples,  some shade in hot afternoon sun is preferred. Fall colors range from gold to orange. A collector's must. The 3 gallon containers offered at this time are maples that are at least 5-years old and nearly 48" tall with a 5/8 to 3/4 in caliper trunk. The bark color and structure of the trunk of this cultivar is unique even when the tree is dormant.

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     Acer palmatum 'Goshiki kotohime'

This beautiful little tree is in the variegated category for Japanese Maples. The Japanese translation means 'Dwarf Multicolored Old Harp'. This is an excellent dwarf that is suitable for bonsai enthusiasts. The basic color of the foliage is green. The variegation is seen in the new growth which appears pink and cream. Similar is appear to Shishigashira, the 'Lion's Head Maple' it is less stiff and softer in appearance. Link to Pre-bonsai page.

Leader shoots rarely grow more than a few inches each year. This is indeed a true dwarf reaching only 5' in height in 10 years. Grown from a cutting this maple is intended for bonsai and not as a landscape maple. The green foliage turns to gold and finally scarlet red in the fall.

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       Acer palmatum 'Grandma Ghost'

First picture shows spring color and the second picture shows fall color.

Grandma Ghost is a relatively new cultivar developed by Talon Buchholz with Buchholz and Buchholz Nursery in Gaston, Oregon. This picture of the unusual leaf structure and color of Grandma Ghost is courtesy of Talon Buchholz.

A small to medium sized tree with variegated reticulated leaves. The term reticulated relates to the visibility of the veins in the leaves. The light green leaves tinged with pink in the center provide an unusual look that is distinctive in the Ghost Series. This cultivar, as with most variegated maples prefers some shade in hot afternoon sun. Fall colors range from gold to orange. A collector's must.

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    [see Japanese Maples p. 157]

         Acer palmatum 'Kasigi yama'

One of the most unusual color combinations of all Japanese Maples. The primary color is brick red, but this color varies with the age of the leaf and the amount of sun or shade the plant receives. The color is very distinctive from other red cultivars. The reticulated leaves have veins that are dark red to almost black in the center while the side veins vary in color.  Summer color tones are bold from purple to brick-red with green hues on the underside of the leaf.  Then in late summer another flush of new growth shows more purple and red tones with finally a fantastic red-purple finish in fall. Recommended sun exposure is mostly sun.

This variety can take hot afternoon sun with adequate moisture. Estimated height in 10 years is 10' tall and just as wide without pruning. Maximum height is 20'. Needs pruning for shape.

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   Picture shows the fine leaf structure and our specimen transitioning to red in the fall

A small tree with a lot of character. Koto no ito in Japanese means 'Harp Strings.'  It is also called  the 'Dancing Monkey Tree' because the leaves hang down and whip around when the wind blows through it. Another great characteristic is the change is leaf structure as the tree matures. The newest growth each spring is shaped like a palmatum leaf. As the tree ages, subsequent leaves become thinner, more linearilobum in nature.

This small green tree in summer turns a splendid gold, orange to red in the fall. Koto no ito grows in the common 'vase' shape and may reach 6' in ten years. A nice specimen for a small garden.

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         Acer palmatum 'Mikawa yatsubusa'

One of the most outstanding dwarf maples. Mikawa yatsubusa displays yellow-green foliage in the spring, however, soon the leaves become a vivid forest green. As the leaves emerge they overlap each other and form tight bunches. One of the special characteristics of this plant is the tight leaf clumps on branches that seem to layer to form a perfect Japanese Maple.  The best display of this cultivar is pruning that removes some of the individual leaves on the trunk to emphasize the tight clumps of leaves. Maturity for this cultivar is 5' high and wide. A great pick for Bonsai or larger containers. Fall color is red. Collector's choice. Link to Pre-bonsai page.

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