A dense, compact Japanese maple with stacked, shingled leaves and a fall finish in orange and red
FEATURES:
- Distinct “shingled” leaf layering that creates a dense, textured look unique among Japanese maples
- Compact, slow-growing habit ideal for small gardens, courtyards, and container-style focal planting
- Naturally tight branching that keeps the tree looking full and structured
- Excellent for part shade where foliage stays clean and richly detailed
- Strong architectural presence even without flowers, thanks to leaf texture and form
- Fall color in orange and red for a vivid seasonal finish
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because the size of the tree - does not fit in a box.
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
This is a texture tree, so keep the neighbors calm. Surround it with a few solid green shapes, boxwood-style evergreens, low conifers, or simple groundcover, and the shingled leaf pattern will read clearly. Too many competing textures nearby can hide the detail that makes this tree special.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-8
- Mature Height: 6-8' tall
- Mature Width: 6-8' wide
- Exposure: Part Shade/Full Sun
- Spacing: 6-8' apart
Mikawa yatsubusa Japanese Maple
Bower & Branch Trees and Plants
Acer palmatum 'Mikawa yatsubusa'
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A dense, compact Japanese maple with stacked, shingled leaves and a fall finish in orange and red
FEATURES:
- Distinct “shingled” leaf layering that creates a dense, textured look unique among Japanese maples
- Compact, slow-growing habit ideal for small gardens, courtyards, and container-style focal planting
- Naturally tight branching that keeps the tree looking full and structured
- Excellent for part shade where foliage stays clean and richly detailed
- Strong architectural presence even without flowers, thanks to leaf texture and form
- Fall color in orange and red for a vivid seasonal finish
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because the size of the tree - does not fit in a box.
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
This is a texture tree, so keep the neighbors calm. Surround it with a few solid green shapes, boxwood-style evergreens, low conifers, or simple groundcover, and the shingled leaf pattern will read clearly. Too many competing textures nearby can hide the detail that makes this tree special.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-8
- Mature Height: 6-8' tall
- Mature Width: 6-8' wide
- Exposure: Part Shade/Full Sun
- Spacing: 6-8' apart
Why plant Mikawa yatsubusa Japanese Maple?
Mikawa yatsubusa is a collector-favorite Japanese maple because it doesn’t look like the others. The leaves stack densely along the branches in a shingled pattern, creating a textured, almost sculptural canopy that feels intentional and structured from the start. The growth habit is compact and slow, which makes it easier to place in smaller spaces without constant pruning or worry about it outgrowing the design.
Through spring and summer, it holds a tight, leafy form with strong presence in the landscape. In fall, it shifts into orange and red tones that bring warmth and seasonal contrast to the garden. If you want a Japanese maple with distinctive texture and a naturally tidy silhouette, this one is a standout.
How to use Mikawa yatsubusa Japanese Maple in the landscape?
Plant it as a focal point near an entry, patio, or main window view where the dense leaf layering can be appreciated up close. It works especially well in part-shade foundation beds and courtyard gardens, where its compact size and structured habit add a refined, architectural element. Pair it with simple evergreens or low groundcovers to keep the surrounding planting clean and let the unique leaf texture take center stage. Use stone, gravel, or a mulch ring at the base to maintain crisp lines around the tree, and provide protection from harsh afternoon sun in hotter climates to keep foliage looking its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Japanese maples have small, subtle spring flowers that are not showy. The primary ornamental features are the dense foliage, compact form, and fall color.
It’s known for very dense growth and a distinctive “shingled” leaf arrangement, where leaves stack closely along the branches, creating a tight, textured canopy and strong architectural form.
Prune lightly in late winter or after leaf drop to remove crossing branches and refine structure. Because it grows compact and dense naturally, pruning is typically minimal and focused on maintaining airflow and shape.
