Trees
Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku'
Sango-kaku coral-bark Japanese maple
Also known as: Sango Kaku · Senkaki · Cinnabarinum
Coral-red young branches become especially vivid in winter, giving this small Japanese maple appeal long after its leaves fall. Pale green, deeply lobed leaves have reddish margins and turn golden yellow in autumn. Plant where winter light can catch the colorful twigs, with shelter from drying wind and hot afternoon sun.
At a glance
- Sun
- Full sun in cool climates; filtered sun or part shade in hot climates
- Size
- Height: 15–25 ft · Width: 15–20 ft
- Water
- Consistently moist, not soggy
- Hardiness
- USDA 5–8
Sizes & prices
- #5Columnar Plum/Red Japanese maple$179.99
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 specimen
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Form
- Upright, becoming rounded
- Growth rate
- Moderate
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
- Bark
- Coral-red young twigs, most conspicuous in winter
- Foliage
- Pale green; golden yellow in autumn
Growing & care
- Soil
- Humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist but freely draining soil; avoid saturated planting pockets.
- Mulch
- Keep the root zone cool
- Placement
- Shelter from drying winds
- 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.
Sources & photo credits
University of Minnesota Extension
Iowa State University Extension
Photo: Jonathan Billinger · CC BY-SA 2.0
Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.