Japanese Maple 'Nishiki Gawa': Pine Bark Beauty

Overview

Acer palmatum 'Nishiki Gawa' (also known as 'Pine Bark') is a unique Japanese maple cultivar prized for its remarkable bark texture, which resembles the rough, plated bark of a pine tree.

Key Characteristics

• Family: Sapindaceae
• Genus: Acer
• Species: palmatum
• Cultivar: Nishiki Gawa
• Also Known As: Pine Bark

Ornamental Features

This small deciduous tree grows 15–20 feet tall. The leaves are typical palmatum—deeply lobed, green in summer, turning yellow-orange in fall. The standout feature is the bark: on mature trunks and branches, it develops a rough, corky, pine-like texture, providing exceptional winter interest.

Culture

Partial shade to full sun (with adequate moisture). Well-drained, acidic soil. Protect from drying winds. The bark texture develops with age; young trees have smooth bark. A collector's tree for year-round appeal.