Coral Bark Japanese Maple Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku'

'Sango-kaku' coral bark Japanese maple is a deciduous, small to medium-sized tree in the Sapindaceae (maple) family, This cultivar is noted for its coral-red bark that is particularly showy in the fall and winter after the leaves drop.  Japanese maples are native to southeast Korea and central and south Japan.   The genus name Acer is Latin for sharp and palmatum means shaped like a hand, referring to the shape of the leaves. 

Coral bark Japanese maple is a slow- to moderate-growing woody tree. Plant it in full sun to partial shade and in moist, well-drained soil. It tolerates a range of soil types including sand and heavy clay. The foliage will retain a light green-yellow color through spring and summer, and in fall it will turn bright yellow. The color intensifies in cold weather to almost salmon, and although it produces its best color in full sun, new foliage may scorch. This cultivar is drought tolerant. 

Plant it in a garden that needs winter interest to really showcase its red bark or plant it in a small space, courtyard, patio, or Asian garden.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Aphids and horse chestnut scale are occasional insect problems. It may be affected by verticillium wilt.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Acer palmatum.