Acer Palmatum Var. Dissectum 'Inaba Shidare'

Inaba Shidare is another very old cultivar, dating back to the mid 1800’s in Japan. Its name means “like the cascading leaves of a rice plant” and is often compared to the Tamukeyama. Instead of emerging as a dark red color in the spring like the Tamukeyama, the larger lacy leaves of the Inaba Shidare come out as maroon and keep their color until turning bright red in the fall. They prefer the sun, but will keep their color a bit better in the summer than the Tamukeyama even if kept in the shade. It also grows slightly bigger, reaching 8-10 feet tall and wide if the central branch is led up a stake. Inaba Shidare is a vigorous grower with a slightly more upright form than other dissectums, having more of a sturdy appearance in the garden than the delicate looking Tamukeyama. Despite the Tamukeyama being more popular, the Inaba Shidare has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit.