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Do you have a Mikawa Yatsubusa Maple? I need info from you!

8 years ago

I am interested in getting a Mikawa Yatsubusa maple, but need it to remain a dwarf tree. Do you have one and did it stay true to size ( 6 feet in ten years) or is it growing quite larger? I have a small space and don't want the tree to outgrow it and shade surrounding plants. I'm reluctant to prune it continually to stay small. Any experience with this tree is greatly appreciated.

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illinois_john

8 years ago

I have two actuallu, could not pass up on a beautiful specimen on Sunday after my first made it through last winter without issue.

I'm close to O'hare to give you an idea on hardiness. I have the first planted on the East side of the house in an area that is very protected from wind.

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Comments (12)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
I have both MY and Hupp's Dwarf, which is very similar. Both grow extremely slowly. But the potential to grow larger is present, given sufficient time and optimum growing conditions. I know of at least one MY that is a sizeable little tree - at least 15' and with a slightly narrower spread. But even at that size, it appears rather diminutive and does not cast heavy shade.

It is important to remember that trees never stop growing until they die so the potential to exceed stated sizes is always present.
houzi
8 years ago
!5ft!!! GG..I'd love to see a pic. of that.I oohd and aahd when someone showed photos of their large Mikawa but was nowhere near that size....must be a fair ol' age :)
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
Unfortunately, I don't have any pics of that one but if you do a Google images search you can see some larger, pretty mature specimens. The one at Whitman Farms is pretty sizable and the tree at Iseli Nursery is rather well known for its size.
iseli Nursery's 'Mikawa yatsubusa'

Both of these are located in Oregon, which may be the most ideal JM growing location outside of Japan.
magpiepix 5b/6a
8 years ago
Scroll down to the third photo in this blog post http://florawonder.blogspot.com/2015/02/mines-bigger-than-yours.html
houzi
8 years ago
WOW! Thanks for the links GG and Magpie(drool drool),the same plant I think...and Talon's got several giant ones! I think I'd like to have seen it opened out a bit to show that lovely branch structure if it were mine.
They do seem to be able to get their maples up to amazing sizes in Oregon,no chance here,at least not in my lifetime.
kfless
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks everyone for your help. What a beautiful tree. I need to reconsider where I have space for it. Once I get it in the ground, I want it to stay there forever. Back to the drawing board!
bub72ck
8 years ago
Mine is very small and is in a pot on my front patio. No plans to put it in the ground right now but they are very impressive as larger specimens.
illinois_john
8 years ago
And the new purchase from J.Carlson in Rockford.
kfless
Original Author
8 years ago
illinios john-I want this tree so badly, but as of yet, still considering the right place for it. What gorgeous little trees you have.
illinois_john
8 years ago
Thank you. I really didn't have room for the second so something had to go.

I'm not sure where you are located, but use caution on where you plant. Some rate this as a zone 6 tree. I took a fairly large risk knowing that if we have a severe winter I could lose them. You'll likely be in a similar scenario.
bub72ck
8 years ago
Wow! Both of those MY are very nice.

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