WSU Clark County Extension

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Beni Kawa Japanese Maple

Scientific name: Acer palmatum 'Beni Kawa'

Taxonomy
Family:Aceraceae
Type:Deciduous tree
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:5 to 8
Sun:Full to partial sun
Plant Characteristics
Height:20 ft
Width:20 ft
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Popular in the Northwest landscape trade, the upright Japanese cultivar known as ‘Beni Kawa’ is prized for its salmon red bark, considered brighter that the cultivar ‘Coral bark’.

  Morphology:
This is a small garden tree that typically grows to 20’ in both height and width. It features light green leaves which turn a golden yellow to orange in the fall. In hotter climates the summer color can be lost, but in the cooler Northwest the light green foliage color is maintained for the majority of the summer.

The shape of this cultivar is classified as upright vase.

For maximum bark color ensure that this cultivar receives maximum sun.

Beni Kawa was introduced by Greer Gardens in Oregon in 1987.

  Adaptation:
As with other cultivars of Japanese maple, Beni Kawa prefers well drained acidic soils, on sites that receive good air circulation. If exposed to an excessive amount of sun during the day, the foliage can bronze out (sunburn) and develop a tattered appearance.

  Pests:
Generally pest free if grown on well drained soils which reduces the incidence of Verticillium wilt.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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