Acer palmatum 'Senkaki' (Coral Bark Maple)

Botanical Information

FamilySapindaceae (Aceraceae)
GenusAcer
Speciespalmatum
Cultivar'Senkaki'
SynonymsAcer palmatum 'Sango Kaku'
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous), Shrub (deciduous)

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6b - 7a
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone6
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-21 - (-15)
Temperature (°F)-5 - 5
Height4 - 8 m
Spread2.5 - 4 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodApril

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionLarge, deciduous, narrow vase-shaped shrub or small tree often recognized for its winter interest coral red bark.
ID CharacteristicRed young branches holding 5-lobed leaves and small yellow flowers in spring.
ShapeNarrow vase-like shape.
LandscapeCourtyard and container gardens or additional decoration in seasonal planters, garden beds and borders.
PropagationGrafting, cuttings (woody stem, softwood, semi-hardwood and hardwood), budding.
CultivationBest grown in moist, well-drained and slightly acidic soil. Changes in water cycle may cause some damage. Mulch is preferred to keep its roots cool. Prefers full sun to partial shade. The leaf colour is best in partial shade. Must be protected from damaging winds to protect its thin bark and leaves.
PestsAphids, horse chestnut scale, root weevils, aphids and borers. Foliage is susceptible to frost due emergence in early spring. Prone to verticillium wilt, leaf spots, root rot, fusarium, stem canker, botrytis and anthracnose. Chlorosis in high pH level soils may also be a concern.
Notable SpecimensNational Trust Trelissick Garden, Feock, near Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionBark starts out smooth and light grey at the trunk with coral pink branches. Bright green foliage. The tree has generally thin bark but a s the tree gets older, the bark starts to become rougher and thickens.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionSmall rounded buds that occur at the end of the branch in clusters.
Leaf DescriptionPalmately compound generally with 5 lobes. The leaves first start out as a buttery yellow in mid-spring. They transform into a deep green during the summer months. In autumn, they fade back into the same yellow with amber red edges along the leaf.
Flower DescriptionTiny red-purple flowers.
Fruit DescriptionWinged samaras, just shy of 2 cm across that usually growing in pairs.
Texture DescriptionMedium texture.

Photographs