Acer Palmatum Chishio

Chishio is highly sought after as a Bonsai. If planted in the ground, it may reach 8-10 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide in 10 years. Chishio means “blood red” in Japanese, but it is difficult to describe the exact color changes of the leaves throughout the seasons. In the spring the leaves come out as bright pink to cherry red with faded-yellow veins that slowly leak into the center of the leaf, giving off a bronze tone. The lighter colored veins of the leaves show off in a unique way, adding an almost plaid or checkered texture. In late spring the leaves turn green-red with light-green veins, giving a star-like aspect to each leaf. The green leaves in the summer serve as a background for pops of bright red new growth until it becomes anywhere from orange to red in the fall. Chishio can tolerate full sun but also grows well in the shade.