A delicate, threadleaf Japanese maple with feather-fine foliage that dances in the breeze and glows with gentle seasonal color
FEATURES:
- Extremely narrow, thread-like leaves create a soft, airy texture
- Fresh spring growth emerges bright green with a light, luminous look
- Brilliant fall color in shades of gold, orange, and red
- Naturally graceful form with elegant branching
- Ideal focal tree for courtyards, patios, and garden beds
- Performs best with morning sun and afternoon protection in warmer climates
- Hand Selected, Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because of the size of the tree; does not fit in a box
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
Plant Koto-no-ito where its delicate foliage can be admired up close, such as near an entry, beside a patio, along a garden path, or as a focal point in a mixed shrub border. Its fine texture pairs beautifully with bold-leaved plants and dark evergreens that make the bright green canopy stand out. Use it to soften stonework, add a gentle vertical accent, or create a calm moment in a courtyard garden. This tree is especially stunning when backlit, when the slender leaves catch the sun and shimmer like threads of light.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-8
- Mature Height: 8-12' tall
- Mature Width: 6-10' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun/Part Sun
- Spacing: 6-10' tall
Koto-no-ito Japanese Maple
Bower & Branch Trees and Plants
Acer palmatum ‘Koto-no-ito’
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Plant with Confidence when choosing Big & Tall Trees and Hedges!
A delicate, threadleaf Japanese maple with feather-fine foliage that dances in the breeze and glows with gentle seasonal color
FEATURES:
- Extremely narrow, thread-like leaves create a soft, airy texture
- Fresh spring growth emerges bright green with a light, luminous look
- Brilliant fall color in shades of gold, orange, and red
- Naturally graceful form with elegant branching
- Ideal focal tree for courtyards, patios, and garden beds
- Performs best with morning sun and afternoon protection in warmer climates
- Hand Selected, Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because of the size of the tree; does not fit in a box
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
Plant Koto-no-ito where its delicate foliage can be admired up close, such as near an entry, beside a patio, along a garden path, or as a focal point in a mixed shrub border. Its fine texture pairs beautifully with bold-leaved plants and dark evergreens that make the bright green canopy stand out. Use it to soften stonework, add a gentle vertical accent, or create a calm moment in a courtyard garden. This tree is especially stunning when backlit, when the slender leaves catch the sun and shimmer like threads of light.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-8
- Mature Height: 8-12' tall
- Mature Width: 6-10' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun/Part Sun
- Spacing: 6-10' tall
Why plant Koto-no-ito Japanese Maple?
Koto-no-ito Japanese Maple is pure refinement. Its name translates to “harp strings,” and once you see the foliage, you understand why. The leaves are long, narrow, and impossibly fine, giving the tree a soft, flowing look that feels almost weightless. In spring and summer, the canopy shines in bright green tones, bringing lightness to the landscape. Then fall arrives and the tree becomes a warm, glowing blend of gold, orange, and red, adding drama without losing its elegance. Koto-no-ito is a garden treasure, perfect for anyone who loves texture, movement, and a tree that feels like living art.
How to use Koto-no-ito Japanese Maple in the landscape?
Plant Koto-no-ito where its delicate foliage can be admired up close, such as near an entry, beside a patio, along a garden path, or as a focal point in a mixed shrub border. Its fine texture pairs beautifully with bold-leaved plants and dark evergreens that make the bright green canopy stand out. Use it to soften stonework, add a gentle vertical accent, or create a calm moment in a courtyard garden. This tree is especially stunning when backlit, when the slender leaves catch the sun and shimmer like threads of light.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is bright green through spring and summer, then turns shades of gold, orange, and red in fall. The exact fall color can vary depending on climate and sun exposure.
In cooler climates it can handle more sun, but in warmer regions it benefits from morning sun and some afternoon protection to keep leaves looking their best.
Prune in late winter while the tree is dormant. Keep pruning light and selective, focusing on removing crossing branches and refining the natural shape.
