Acer palmatum 'Tsukushigita,' also known as sukushigata Japanese Maple, is a true masterpiece of nature that will enhance any landscape with its stunning beauty and unparalleled elegance. This unique Japanese maple boasts large, star-shaped leaves that create a captivating display throughout the seasons. In early spring, the leaves emerge in a striking brick red, deepening to a lush chocolate red as they mature, offering a breathtaking view that’s hard to resist. A brilliant contrast is created by lime green stems and veins, which become more prominent as summer advances.
In fall, 'Tsukushigata' transforms into a vibrant showcase of colors, turning from yellow to fiery orange-red, ensuring it remains the focal point of your garden. Hardy and resilient, it grows at a moderate pace, reaching a height of 10-12 feet in 10 years, making it ideal for zones 5-9. Whether planted in the ground or in a container, it thrives best with some shade, making it a versatile choice for any setting. ‘Tsukushigata’ is truly one of the chocolate trees, offering rich, deep red-black foliage that retains its color through summer. The bright green seed pods and veins accentuate the elegance of the leaves, especially when backlit by the sun, creating an impressive visual spectacle. A personal favorite for its color and resilience, 'Tsukushigata' is an under-utilized gem ready to become the star of your garden. As with all cultivars, seeds collected may result in seedlings that offer a different appearance to the mother tree.