Green Upright Varieties
‘KOTO NO ITO’
‘Koto no ito’ has a narrow upright form and is noted for its deeply divided and string-like leaf lobes, resembling the leaves of bamboo. ‘Koto no ito’ translates to “harp strings”. The leaves are a bright green changing to shades of vivid yellow in the fall. Prefers sun/partial shade. Averages 8 feet in height and 4 feet in width in 10 years.
‘OSAKAZUKI’
‘Osakazuki’ has an upright form with a rounded crown. One of the oldest Japanese maples, it is also one of the fastest-growing. Its bright green leaves change to very vibrant oranges and reds in the fall. A very hardy, specimen tree and easy to grow. Averages 15 feet in height in 10 years.
‘SEIRYU’
An upright vase-shaped tree with a graceful spreading form. A very unique tree because it is the only upright Japanese maple with laceleaf or dissectum type leaves. ‘Seiyu’ translates to “blue-green dragon”. Grown in full sun the leaves are a bright chartreuse green. If grown in shade the leaves have a blue-green appearance. In spring the leaves are a bright green that gives the plant a delicate appearance. In summer they turn into a rich, cool green, and then in fall, they explode into yellows, oranges, and reds. Among the easiest of all Japanese Maples to grow. Averages 20 feet in height in 10 years.
‘SHIN DESHOJO’
‘Shin deshojo’ won the 2018 “Maple of the Year” award. An upright tree known for its stunningly brilliant red spring foliage. By late spring the leaves fade to a dark green for the summer. It has relatively small leaves which contrast nicely in the garden. Fall brings a bright red color to the leaves. Prefers sun with partial shade. Averages 10 feet in height and 6 feet in width in 10 years.