Acer palmatum ssp. matsumurae 'Inaba Shidare' is an exquisite dwarf Japanese maple that effortlessly transforms any garden with its stunning display of colors and elegant weeping form. Renowned for thriving in hotter climates, 'Inaba Shidare' is the perfect choice for gardens across the United States, flourishing in USDA Zones 5 through 10. This resilient cultivar reaches a height of 4 to 6 feet and spreads elegantly to 7 to 9 feet wide, forming a graceful, cascading silhouette reminiscent of rice plant leaves.
In spring, its medium-sized leaves unfurl in dramatic shades of deep burgundy and maroon, almost appearing black, before transitioning to striking red and bronze hues in summer. As autumn approaches, be mesmerized by a fiery transformation into scarlet red with a touch of orange, making it one of the last maples to offer such vibrant fall color. 'Inaba Shidare' thrives in sun to part shade, with robust branches that withstand the elements, creating a living sculpture even in winter. Please note that as with all seed collected from cultivars, the seedlings may or may not resemble the mother tree.