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Please help identify this Japanese Maple

8 years ago

This maple is growing underneath my deck. I have to get it out of there while it is still small (it is about 4 or 5 ft tall), but I need to know how tall it may grow so I can choose a better spot for it. It looks like it may be a Beni Otake but I cannot be sure.

Can anybody ID this tree? How tall can I expect it to grow?

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Comments (4)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
It's definitely not Beni Otake - that is a linearlobum type with very narrow, bamboo-like leaves. In fact, the name translates to "red bamboo" :-)

Did you plant the tree or did it spring up on its own? That would make a difference but generally, with very few exceptions, cultivars of Japanese maples are extremely difficult to ID. The differences between individual cultivars can be very slight and even JM authorities are hesitant to assign specific ID's.

I can tell you that based on the current growth habit and the spacing of the branches with respect to trunk diameter, this will grow into a good sized tree, probably 15-20 feet, perhaps more. Looks a bit like a Bloodgood clone/seedling.
User thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
magpiepix 5b/6a
8 years ago
It's growing from wild seed or it's one you bought and is currently under your deck?
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Looks like it is "Waterfall" Viridis. The full name is Acer palmatum Waterfall Viridis. "Dissectum" in the name (if it is there) means the lacy, finely dissected leaves. Congratulations, you discovered the magic of Japanese Maples! Very easy to get hooked on, collect them. Visit the Maple Forum , you can find beautiful pictures in the Gallery section.
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David-- You want me to tell you all my secrets:) I watch almost everything I can find online regarding maples, ebay included. Laceleaf is the only seller of Pink Lace that I have seen. A supposed seedling of Viridis that is more vigorous and has pink in its spring and new growth color. The sale of that plant has always tweaked me as I think it is illegitimate as a variety name--heck most of the seedlings of Virids exhibit those qualities. Anyway, not to detract from your purchase. Your Beni otake photos also looks like their plant. I also think Rob at nishiki is getting a bit much for his plants. They used to be quite large and worth the money, now with his increase in sales, the plants are going out before they have adequate size on them. Instead of separating himself from everyone else, he is selling small plants for acution prices to keep up with the demand. Truth be told, all of the auction trees have gotten pretty small. If I buy and auction tree, I try to stay below $15 and below $20 if I really want it---they are just to small to pay big money and buy sight unseen. MJH
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It could be Bloodgood. It could just as easily be Emperor I. Or Fireglow. Or Moonfire. Or one of a number of other common and popular red leafed Japanese maples that are virtually identical in appearance. Certainly far too similar to be able to determine from just a couple of photos. As Mike says. without a grower's label to confirm - and even that is no guarantee - it is just a red leafed Japanese maple :-)
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Your little tree is neither of the cultivars you mention :-( Beni Otake means 'red bamboo' and reflects the very narrow, bamboo-like foliage it presents. It is a also a red-leafed form (all season). Shuminagashi is also a red-leafed form with quite large, 7 lobed leaves. Can you identify a graft union on your plant? I'd suspect it is just a seedling tree - a lot of so-called Bloodgoods are grown as seedlings rather than grafted from known stock and less ethical growers and cut rate purveyors like the box stores, etc. have no compunction about selling them as named forms. Seedlings are not named forms nor can they ever be, regardless of their parentage, as they can be extremely variable in size, habit and appearance. That does not mean a seedling grown tree - just a straight generic species Acer palmatum - cannot develop into a lovely tree. Most do. Just not a recognized named form.
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magpiepix 5b/6a
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
If it's a cultivar you bought, and you are sure of "Beni" in the title, then I'm not sure. Beni kagami looks similar, but the leaf stalks are red instead of green. I like your tree's green stems!
User
Original Author
8 years ago
I did not buy the tree, It was already here when we bought the house last September. The former homeowners had no regard for ultimate size...they spent a lot of $ on things and then put them too close to the house. They have a Hinoki cypress right next to it and a weeping larch about 3 ft away.

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