Japanese Maple Branch Anatomy & Seedling Growth Updates.Gardengal,Mike
privatejapanesemaplesanctuary
7 years ago
Hi Guys
I have a few things to ask the Japanese Maples Forum..
Firstly is an enquiry about the Pictured Japanese Maples Branch Structure,
Is the lowest Branch of the Tree of any future concern ?
I am just a little worried about it being very low down on the Trunk and whether it may be affecting the Trees overall appearance.(Subjective I Suppose).Will that Branch at the Trunk Union weaken as the Tree becomes older ???
I have also added a few Pictures of a selection of Seedlings that are now upwards of a Month old.I suspect they are not quite ready for individual pots but as always any helpful Suggestions would be hugely valued.
Happy Gardening
Stephen,Cheshire,
UK
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Comments (7)
privatejapanesemaplesanctuary
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoRelated Discussions
Natural Japanese Maple growth?
Comments (4)There isn't a single growth pattern that is typical to Japanese maples. Even seed grown trees will produce variable habits. And since nearly all cultivars are now grafted, that adds another factor into the mix, as the graft and subsequent growth habit can be manipulated depending on the scion used. As there are nearly as many different forms and growth habits as there are cultivars of these trees, it's difficult to understand what folks may expect a "typical" JM to look like. Not all trees generate a growth habit that feature a single leader, so I'm not at all sure how that concept came to be so firmly ingrained in our minds that it was more desirable to have a tree that produces a single leader. Many smaller shade and flowering trees never develop a single leader growth pattern, but start producing a codominate branching structure relatively low. The growth pattern of JM's will most closely follow this tendency. You often see this described in texts as a "shrub-like or shrubby tree", indicating there is generally no single extended trunk but rather a short trunk that splits into the codominate branching structure, much the way most shrubs grow. Often this branching structure starts so low that it gives the appearance of multiple trunks emerging from the ground. Under ideal conditions and given enough time, seedlings of the straight species Acer palmatum can produce a good sized tree - 25-30' tall and with an equal spread. Scroll down to the "Introduction to Japanese Maples" in the attached link to see some mature species JM's in all their glory. Here is a link that might be useful: mature Acer palmatums...See MoreJapanese Maple Sieryu + Coral Bark natural grafting
Comments (6)I think that is a VERY bad idea...there is NO reason to believe the root stock is special from one new growth branch ......you can buy 10 red Acer palmatum generic seed growns for what one nice Seiryu may cost. Both green and red A.P.'s are used for root stock the latter a bit more rare since many growers can sell them to umknowing folks for biggeer bucks than the green even though they most likely will be ORDINARY...Ideally they should match but most growers are too busy, lazy, or just don't care.... and the green is always much cheaper especially larger diameter RS for the same reason above they can sell them for 25$$ or more in 3-4 years. Whatever keeping an unknown and throwing out a Known cultivar is at the very least ignorant and very short sited IMHO...But one persons decisions may be so while anothers is otherwise ...that is my opinion but it is not my tree , decision and I am NOT infallable so make your own choice!! David...See MoreJap Maple Q's,Seeds,Seedlings;Branches.Lots of Pix.Gardengal ~ Houzi
Comments (11)Seedlings are fine,just water when needed.I just stick them under the patio table for winter,more to keep the long spells of rain we usually get away.No need to move them until the cold weather starts.If you're gonna garage them(though not really nessecary) bring them out when buds swell and shove them under a table or something if you expect a frost. As Mike says,Just leave the seeds out in the open,don't cover with anything and forget about them 'til next year.You can put a mesh or something over them if you like to keep 'thieves' away but nothing waterproof.Again,next spring be prepared to protect them from frost once they've appeared. Pruning's a matter of choice.You could snip off those little branches,the plant wouldn't notice...unless you prefer the direction they're growing,then remove others....See Morelate budding Japanese Maple
Comments (4)I suspect you are right on the soil/clay concerns. We are cursed with some very rock-hard clay in this part of Georgia. You are also spot on with the seedlings, too, but this particular tree seemed to reproduce both seedlings and suckers. Two of these trees I have now were nicely trunked and branched specimens growing straight up at a 90deg. angle from 1/2" thick roots buried about 2" deep and running directly out from the truck of the parent tree. It is entirely possible the parent tree is not a true JM, or some damage or trauma to the roots caused the suckers to grow up. I'm not sure. I just sort of ham-handedly pulled them up and did my best to nurse them along. I'll give this young one some more time to see what happens....See More
Gibson Zone 9 (Central Valley, CA)
7 years agoprivatejapanesemaplesanctuary thanked Gibson Zone 9 (Central Valley, CA)Gibson Zone 9 (Central Valley, CA)
7 years agoprivatejapanesemaplesanctuary thanked Gibson Zone 9 (Central Valley, CA)
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
7 years agoGibson Zone 9 (Central Valley, CA)
7 years agoprivatejapanesemaplesanctuary thanked Gibson Zone 9 (Central Valley, CA)
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)