Sheffield's Seed Company Page

Looking for a maple tree that will impress with its color and hardiness? Look no further than Acer palmatum ssp. matsumurae 'Suminagashi', also known as the Sumi Nagashi or Suminagashi Japanese Maple. This stunning tree boasts bright purple-red leaves in spring, followed by black or maroon in summer and green or brown-red in late summer. Come fall, the foliage turns a vibrant crimson that will light up your yard. And with a height of up to four meters, this strong grower won't go unnoticed.

But it's not just its visual appeal that makes the Suminagashi Japanese Maple a must-have. Vertrees, in his book "Japanese Maples," notes that it's also hardier than green-leaved varieties. Plus, its winter silhouette and smooth gray bark add interest during the off season. And if you want to try your hand at growing your own maples, be sure to collect fresh, green seed – red-leaved varieties tend to produce more of the same. Just keep in mind that like all cultivars, the resulting seedlings may not be identical to the mother tree.

So why not add some color and interest to your landscape with the Sumi Nagashi Japanese Maple? It's sure to be a standout in any yard.