Trees

Acer palmatum 'Arakawa'

Arakawa Japanese maple

Arakawa Japanese maple: rough bark, green summer foliage and red autumn foliage. Original supplier photo montage © Iseli Nursery, customer plant-resale promotional use; cropped from its plant-page sign with embedded copyright retained. Seasonal

Rough, corky bark develops with age, giving this Japanese maple an unusual pine-like trunk. New leaves open with yellowish tones, mature to green, and turn red, orange or yellow in autumn. Its upright growth and textured bark make it interesting beyond the foliage season.

At a glance

Sun: Sun to part shade; protect from hot afternoon sun
Size: Height: 12–14 ft in 10 years · Width: 10–12 ft in 10 years
Water: Evenly moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA 5–9

Sizes & prices

#20Rough Bark Japanese MapleCall for price

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Ornamental bark specimen; bonsai
Foliage: Deciduous
Form: Upright
Growth rate: 6–12 inches/year (grower estimate)

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Mild resistance reported for Japanese maple; protect young trees.
Drought: Poor tolerance; dry soil can scorch leaves.
Wet soil: Needs drainage; avoid waterlogged soil.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Seasonal interest

Fall color: Red, orange and yellow

Growing & care

Site: Shelter from drying winds and harsh afternoon sun.
Pruning: Keep pruning minimal and preserve the natural branching. Remove dead or crossing shoots; make small corrective cuts after full leaf expansion to limit sap bleeding. Cut back to a well-placed side branch, without leaving stubs.
Soil: Humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist but freely draining soil; avoid saturated planting pockets.

Sources & photo credits

Maple Ridge Nursery

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

MrMaple

Iowa State University Extension

Royal Horticultural Society

Iseli Nursery

Photo: Photos © Iseli Nursery; original supplier bark/foliage montage cropped from plant sign, embedded copyright retained, no enlargement. · Iseli customer plant-resale promotional photo grant

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.