Acer palmatum 'Rikuzen shidare' Weeping Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum ‘Rikuzen shidare’ is a rare and historically significant weeping Japanese maple from Japan, prized for its exceptionally cascading habit, large green foliage, and brilliant yellow fall color. This unique selection has the large leaves associated with Acer amoenum and develops an unusually graceful weeping form unlike many large-leaf Japanese maples. The original tree was discovered at a temple in the Rikuzen province of Japan, where it became known as a unique and treasured selection. In 2011, the area was struck by a devastating tsunami that destroyed the original tree, but fortunately, the cultivar had already been grafted and preserved by nurserymen. Through careful propagation, this remarkable Japanese maple survived and continues to be grown today. In autumn, the large green leaves transform into brilliant shades of yellow rather than the typical red seen in many Japanese maples. Its strongly weeping habit also makes it an excellent choice for containers and smaller gardens. Staking when young is recommended to help develop the desired form.

• Growth Habit: Extremely weeping with gracefully cascading branches
• Size: Can be maintained at a smaller size with staking and training
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Foliage: Large, rounded green leaves similar in size to ‘Osakazuki’
• Fall Color: Brilliant shades of yellow
• Origin: Rare selection from a temple in the Rikuzen province of Japan
• Light: Morning sun to partial shade; protection from intense afternoon sun is recommended in hotter climates
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
• Hardiness: Zones 5–9
• Best Uses: Specimen tree, Japanese gardens, containers, patios, woodland gardens, and collector landscapes
• Best Feature: Exceptionally weeping habit combined with large green foliage and brilliant yellow fall color
• Garden Interest: Provides graceful cascading structure throughout the growing season followed by a spectacular golden-yellow autumn display
• Special History: The original tree was lost during the 2011 tsunami in Japan, but the cultivar survived through grafted plants that had already been propagated
• Why You'll Love It: ‘Rikuzen shidare’ is more than a beautiful Japanese maple—it is a piece of Japanese horticultural history. Its dramatic weeping form, large foliage, brilliant yellow fall color, and ability to thrive in a container make it an extraordinary choice for collectors and gardeners looking for something truly unique.