Acer palmatum 'Bi hou' Yellow Bark Japanese Maple
Best unique specimen for adding year round garden interest.
The Acer palmatum 'Bi hou', also known as the Yellow Bark Japanese Maple, is a striking deciduous tree introduced in 1993. Its name, 'Bihou,' translates to 'beautiful mountain range.' This variety offers a dynamic display throughout the year, starting with chartreuse new leaves tinged with red, maturing to a medium green in summer. In autumn, it provides a yellow to orange fall color. The tree's most distinctive feature emerges in winter with its vibrant orange-yellow bark that seems to glow. Red buds add further visual interest, contrasting beautifully with the bright bark. 'Bi hou' is known for its fast growth and vase-shaped habit when young, making it an excellent addition to the winter garden.
$49.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
289
/ 1209
#289 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
-54%
Below average
Tree Species
Acer palmatum
/ Acer palmatum
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking year-round beauty and unique winter landscape features
- Homeowners desiring a graceful, multi-seasonal specimen tree for their yard
- Landscape designers and enthusiasts looking for a unique, eye-catching plant
Who should skip it
- New gardeners or those with exposed, full-sun garden locations
- Impatient planters or those needing rapid landscape establishment
- Beginners unfamiliar with specialized pruning or low-maintenance gardeners
Performance breakdown
Winter Visual Impact
The glowing orange-yellow bark provides unmatched seasonal interest in dormant gardens.
Growth Velocity
Establishes itself quickly compared to many slower-growing Japanese maple varieties.
Foliage Versatility
Dynamic color shifts from spring chartreuse to vibrant autumn orange-yellow.
Structural Form
Elegant vase-shaped habit creates a sophisticated silhouette for smaller landscape spaces.
Landscape Integration
Compact mature size fits perfectly into residential gardens or focal point beds.
Detail Aesthetic
Contrasting red buds offer a refined touch against the bright bark.
Key Specs
Tree Species
Acer palmatum
Botanical Name
Acer palmatum 'Bi hou'
Common Name
Yellow Bark Japanese Maple
Mature Height
12-15 Feet
Mature Spread
8-10 Feet
Growth Rate
Fast
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Foliage Color
Chartreuse new leaves edged in red, turning medium green for summer
Features
- Striking Winter Bark Color
- Vibrant Seasonal Foliage
- Fast Growing Habit
- Unique Red Buds
- Vase-Shaped Young Growth
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and vibrant health of the Acer palmatum 'Bi hou' upon arrival. Many highlight the striking yellow bark, noting its unique aesthetic appeal and how it enhances garden landscapes, especially in winter. Reviewers frequently express satisfaction with the careful packaging, ensuring plants arrive in pristine condition. The consistent delivery of healthy, well established specimens contributes to a strong sense of value and overall delight among buyers, making it a standout choice for its distinctive beauty and robust growth.
Know before you buy
The 'Bi hou' is primarily prized for its striking orange-yellow bark, which provides a glowing visual contrast in the landscape during the winter months. Unlike many maples that are grown solely for their foliage, this variety offers year-round interest.
You can expect this tree to reach a mature height of 12 to 15 feet with a spread of 8 to 10 feet. Its vase-shaped growth habit makes it a manageable choice for smaller gardens or as a focal point in a mixed border.
Yes, the foliage is dynamic. It emerges in spring as chartreuse with red edges, matures to a medium green during the summer, and transitions to vibrant yellow and orange tones in the autumn.
This variety is noted for its relatively fast growth rate. While it maintains a graceful, vase-shaped habit when young, it will fill out its space more quickly than many slower-growing Acer palmatum cultivars.
The winter is when this tree truly shines. Because it is deciduous, it loses its leaves, revealing the vibrant orange-yellow bark and contrasting red buds that define the variety.
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$49