WSU Clark County Extension

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Coral bark Japanese Maple

Scientific name: Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku’

Taxonomy
Family:Aceraceae
Type:Deciduous tree
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:6 to 8
Sun:Full to partial sun
Plant Characteristics
Height:25 ft
Width:20 ft
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description The Japanese maple cultivar ‘Sango Kaku’, often referred to as Coral bark maple, is generally one of the most prized of all of the upright palmate types for its winter interest. The bark on new twigs turns bright coral red (almost fluorescent) after the leaves fall. In areas west of the Cascade Mountains, this cultivar is one of the most widely grown of all of the upright, green-foliage Japanese maples. In Japan the name 'Sango Kaku' refers to "coral-painted".

  Morphology:
A vigorous upright cultivar that may attain a landscape size of 25’tall and 20’ wide. Current season growth is abundant and can be twiggy. Leaves emerge in April and display a pleasing yellow-green with plum to red edging. As the young leaves expand they soon age to light green for the rest of spring and then take on autumn-like hues of red and orange beginning in early summer. The leaves themselves are classified as simple, opposite, with 5-7 lobes, with serrated edges.

Older trees form vase shaped canopies. The intense coral bark color is reduced as the trunk and stems enlarge.

  Adaptation:
Does best in partial sun, and sheltered from drying winds. It prefers moist well drained soil but tolerates a range of soil types including sand and heavy clay. Highly suited to smaller yards due to its limited width at maturity.

  Pests:
Highly susceptible to bacterial blight (Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae). Avoid this common problem by placing this tree in a site with good air circulation.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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