Japanese maples are typically known for their exquisite foliage and captivating aesthetics, but with hundreds of diverse varieties there are many with distinct characteristics that are unique to the general understanding of Japanese maple beauty. While the fiery reds and vibrant oranges of their leaves often steal the spotlight, there exists a fascinating subset within the Japanese maple family where bark color takes center stage. These Japanese maples provide bark interest in the winter months while the tree is dormant. Many people are familiar with the red bark Japanese maples that are very popular in American landscapes, but there is also a category of Japanese maples that adorn green bark that shines bright in the winter.
Special Features of Green Bark Japanese Maples
Green Bark Japanese Maples are characterized by their distinctive emerald-hued bark, and are a symbol of understated elegance in the garden. The green bark color is much more subtle on these Japanese maple varieties than that of the red bark or even yellow bark varieties, but these trees still create a captivating and striking appearance in the garden. These deciduous trees showcase not only a distinct bark color but also intricate foliage, creating a wonderful aesthetic in any garden setting. The green bark typically persists throughout the year even though it is brightest and most striking during the winter months. This bark allows these varieties to become a focal point in the winter and create wonderful contrast with its foliage during the growing seasons.
The hallmark of Green Bark Japanese Maples is their tranquil green bark, offering a unique and refreshing visual element. While the majority of Japanese maple varieties boast bark ranging from shades of gray to reddish-brown, certain cultivars showcase striking green hues on their bark, adding an unexpected dimension to their visual appeal. Many young Japanese maples will have a greenish bark color when young, but this isn’t specific to variety like the Japanese maple varieties characterized as green bark Japanese maples. These green bark Japanese maples hold onto this green bark color year after year.
Green Bark Japanese Maples thrive in partial shade, though they can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Green bark Japanese maples will also grow quite well in full shade where they can help to brighten up a darker spot in the garden. Green bark Japanese maples should be planted in a location with well-draining soil to keep the roots from staying too soggy. Proper planting techniques and slow release fertilizer such as Happy Frog Japanese Maple Fertilizer in the spring will help to brighten the green bark and keep it looking bright and vibrant for years to come.
Seasonal Changes of Green Bark Japanese Maples
Spring Foliage of Green Bark Japanese Maples
In spring, green bark Japanese maple varieties typically come to life with fresh green leaves, contributing to the overall verdant appearance of the tree. The green leaves on top of the green bark really makes for a vibrant display of light green color. This is another great reason to plant these Japanese maples in darker shadier areas in the yard. These green bark Japanese maple varieties can be a great way to brighten up a darker area of the yard and really add some pop and color to otherwise boring locations.
Summer Foliage of Green Bark Japanese Maples
The foliage continues to provide a lush and vibrant backdrop, enhancing the tree's beauty throughout the summer months. The green bark might be a little more dull in the summer but the leaves typically maintain a vibrant green throughout the hotter months. Despite a duller green, the color still persists to an extent even during the hottest months.
Fall Foliage of Green Bark Japanese Maples
As fall approaches, the leaves of green bark Japanese maples transition to bright and captivating displays of golds, oranges, and reds. Each individual variety will have its own combination of fantastic fall colors ranging from yellow to red and none of them disappoint. The fall display is especially fantastic with the contrasting green bark against the yellow, orange, and red backdrop of the foliage.
While not as dramatic as coral bark Japanese maples, the evergreen charm of the green bark persists, providing a serene and enduring beauty to the winter landscape. Green bark Japanese Maples paired with red and yellow bark Japanese maples can really create an interesting appearance in a winter landscape.
Green Bark Japanese Maple Varieties
Here are a few beautiful examples of Green Bark Japanese Maples:
Acer palmatum ‘Aoyagi’
Acer palmatum ‘Aoyagi’ means green coral and the green coral bark is considered to be the most outstanding feature of this tree. The leaves in spring come out an amazing chartreuse before turning more green in summer. Fall color is yellow.
Acer palmatum ‘Kawahara no midori’
Acer palmatum 'Kawahara no midori' is a fast growing, upright Japanese maple with bright green leaves and bright green bark. Many Japanese maples have a greenish bark when young, but it’s a much more natural looking green. 'Kawahara no midori' has bright green bark that actually stands out in a crowd of other plants. The leaves of 'Kawahara no midori' are green in the spring and summer and turn bright yellow in the fall.
Acer palmatum ‘Shidiva Gold’
Acer palmatum 'Shidiva Gold' is a smaller form of 'Aoyagi'. 'Shidiva Gold' is known for its bright green foliage, green bark, and compact structure. The leaves of 'Shidiva Gold' emerge in the spring with a bright, chartreuse green color that only slightly fades into a light green in the summer. These leaves then turn to a bright yellow in the fall.
Acer palmatum ‘Aocha Nishiki’
Acer palmatum ‘Aocha nishiki’ is a small tree that will become almost as wide as it is tall with age. The name translates to green-yellow and 'Aocha nishiki' is mostly known for it's creamy yellow variegation, and the bright chartreuse color of early spring leaves makes this tree a great addition to any garden. If that were not enough, we usually get a replay of the spring display in late summer this time it is even more striking because the new chartreuse growth really contrasts to the older green foliage.
Acer palmatum ‘Nanyat’
Acer palmatum ‘Nanyat’ is a small growing, upright Japanese maple with crinkled green leaves. This is a very unique Japanese maple variety not only for the unusually leaf shape that is reminiscent of Shishigashira, but ‘Nanyat’ also has bright green bark that really shows out during the winter months. The fall color of this interesting new Japanese maple variety is mostly a bright yellow that really stands out in the landscape.
Acer palmatum ‘Verkade’s Winter Gold’
Acer palmatum ‘Verkade’s Winter Gold’ is an interesting and unique Japanese maple variety with chartreuse bark color in the winter that would stand out even amongst other green bark Japanese maple varieties. ‘Verkade’s Winter Gold’ also has unique leaves which are large and deeply divided. These leaves are bright green in the spring and eventually turn to a bright yellow and orange in the fall.
Japanese maples with green bark epitomize the exquisite beauty and versatility of Japanese maples. Whether planted as focal points in a garden, accentuating a woodland setting, or adorning a patio container, these enchanting trees never fail to captivate with their graceful form and year-round appeal. By understanding their unique characteristics and providing proper care, enthusiasts can enjoy the timeless charm of Japanese maples with green bark for generations to come.