Acer palmatum 'Beni-otake'
Common name: Japanese maple
Acer palmatum 'Beni-otake' is a medium-sized, upright maple in the Linearilobum Group. Its foliage is deeply divided, nearly to the base of each leaf, and the lobes are very narrow. Acer palmatum 'Beni-otake' grows to about four metres (15 feet) tall in fifteen years. It is happiest in full sun to partial shade. The thin leaves mimic those of bamboo, and thus the Japanese name. 'Beni-otake' translates to 'red bamboo'. The deeply lobed leaves evoke a graceful, airy feel to the garden.
This cultivar was discovered by Edward Wood in 1980 and was then introduced by T. C. Plants, Inc. of Hillsboro, Oregon. Acer palmatum 'Beni-otake' leaves emerge red in spring, and develop bronze tones before aging to green. A sunny spot results in reddish-purple tones, while in shaded spots the colour is more muted.
Acer palmatum 'Beni-otake' can be found in the Japanese Collection (Bed 86).
Text and photos taken in the Garden by Kumi Sutcliffe