Acer palmatum 'Beni kawa' Coral Bark Japanese Maple

'Beni kawa' is a mid-sized Japanese maple reaching 8-10 feet tall and nearly as wide, distinguished by salmon-coral bark that intensifies dramatically in winter after leaf drop. Foliage emerges bright chartreuse-green in spring and summer, transitioning to a clear golden-yellow in autumn, a fall color often overlooked but striking for its contrast against the oranges and reds of neighboring trees. The cultivar is notably heat-tolerant and performs well in both full sun and partial to deep shade, though sunlight intensifies the winter bark color; unusually among coral-bark maples, it retains good bark coloration even in shadier sites. According to the growers at Mr Maple, 'Beni kawa' was among the first coral-bark selections they cultivated, valued for its compact, wide-spreading form and its willingness to display vibrant winter color in varied light conditions, making it a versatile choice for smaller gardens where an evergreen backdrop will maximize the seasonal bark display.