Acer 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'
Best dwarf tree for bonsai enthusiasts and small-space container gardeners.
The Acer 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' is a naturally dwarf Japanese Maple, highly regarded globally for bonsai due to its tight branching and layered structure. It matures to about 5 feet high and wide over a decade, though it remains smaller with root trimming. Its distinctive feature is the way deeply lobed, elongated leaves arise in overlapping tufts, creating unique little canopies on each branch. New spring foliage emerges a pale, yellow-tinted green, deepening to mid-green in summer before turning a brilliant orange to scarlet in autumn. This variety offers outstanding multi-season interest and is highly recommended for containers or garden settings in Zones 5-8.
$89.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
7
/ 1209
#7 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
-16%
Below average
SKU
49384
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking unique, sculptural foliage for year-round visual interest
- Urban dwellers with limited patio or container gardening space
- Homeowners wanting a reliable, high-impact seasonal color display
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners looking for immediate, large-scale landscape impact
- Residents in hot climates lacking shaded garden spots
- Beginners unable to maintain precise soil moisture and acidity levels
Performance breakdown
Bonsai Suitability
Widely considered a top-tier specimen for professional bonsai artistry.
Container Adaptability
Thrives in pots while maintaining a compact, manageable root structure.
Visual Texture
Overlapping leaf tufts create a unique, architectural layered canopy effect.
Seasonal Interest
Delivers a vibrant transition from spring greens to brilliant autumn scarlet.
Space Efficiency
Perfectly scaled for small gardens or tight patio living spaces.
Growth Predictability
Slow, steady maturation ensures the tree remains within its dwarf habit.
Key Specs
SKU
49384
Genus
Acer
Species
palmatum
Variety
'Mikawa Yatsubusa'
Item Form
Trade Gallon (3qt)
Habit
Dwarf
Mature Height
5 Feet
Mature Width
5 Feet
Features
- Naturally dwarf habit, ideal for smaller spaces or bonsai
- Distinctive foliage held in overlapping tufts creating a layered look
- Striking color transition from yellow-green spring growth to scarlet fall color
- Outstanding performance in containers, even through hot summers
- Considered one of the top 3 bonsai varieties in the world
What customers say
Customers consistently celebrate the exceptional quality and unique design of the 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' maple. Reviewers frequently highlight the tree's distinctive layered foliage, noting it arrives healthy and establishes well, often exceeding expectations for visual appeal. While the price point is premium, the consensus is that the tree offers significant aesthetic value, making it a worthwhile investment for garden enthusiasts seeking a striking, architectural specimen. The vibrant autumn color is a recurring point of delight, solidifying its reputation as a high quality, visually stunning addition to any landscape.
Know before you buy
The 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' is a naturally dwarf variety that typically reaches a mature height and width of about 5 feet over a ten-year period. Its slow growth rate makes it an excellent choice for smaller garden spaces or foundation plantings.
Yes, this variety is exceptionally well-suited for containers and is widely considered one of the best Japanese Maples for this purpose. It performs reliably in pots even during hot summer months, provided it receives adequate water.
Absolutely. It is globally recognized as one of the top three bonsai varieties due to its naturally tight branching and unique, layered foliage structure. You can keep it even smaller than its mature size through regular root trimming.
This tree thrives in USDA Zones 5-8. While it appreciates some protection from harsh afternoon sun, it needs consistent moisture and well-draining soil to maintain its vibrant foliage color throughout the growing season.
The foliage offers multi-season interest, starting as a pale, yellow-tinted green in the spring. It deepens to a rich mid-green during the summer before transitioning to a brilliant display of orange and scarlet in the autumn.
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$90