Japanese Maple Acer palmatum 'Mikawa yatsubusa'

'Mikawa yatsubusa' is a very small and compact Japanese maple cultivar in the Sapindaceae (soapberry) family. The plant is noted for its layered foliage and almost contorted look, but especially for its fall colors. Its name means "a small cluster of three rivers". Japanese maple parent plants are native to southeast Korea and central and south Japan. Acer is Latin for sharp and palmatum means shaped like a hand, referring to the leaves.

Early in spring its leaves are yellow green, turning medium green in summer and yellow-gold in fall, with the serrated edges of the outer leaves a showy bright red. Known for its shingled leaves, multi-branched form and dense growth, this cultivar is slow-growing and heat-tolerant for a Japanese maple. Plant in partial shade to full sun in moist, well-drained, acid to neutral soil.

It is suitable for small areas, containers, Asian, and fairy gardens and is often used for bonsai.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Chewing insects and aphids may cause leaf damage. Temperature extremes in late winter and spring can seriously damage foliage and even younger branches. Wind, drought, or underwatering can cause leaf scorch. It self-seeds easily so can spread and become weedy in the landscape.  See potential insect and disease problem fact sheets to the left.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common maple diseases and insect pests.  

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.

More information on Acer palmatum.