Acer palmatum 'Cupid' Dwarf Coral Bark Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Cupid' is a dwarf coral bark maple arising from a witch's broom sport, characterized by bright red winter bark and green summer foliage that transitions to yellow and orange tones in autumn. The tree reaches approximately 6-8 feet tall over ten years, forming a dense, rounded habit considerably slower-growing than standard Sangukaku selections. According to the growers at Mr Maple, who discovered and named the cultivar near Tryon, North Carolina around Valentine's Day, 'Cupid' combines the prized bark color of coral bark maples with a more compact, manageable frame well-suited to small gardens and container cultivation. It performs reliably in zones 6-9, with full sun recommended in zones 6-8 to intensify bark coloration, particularly during winter months; in zone 9, afternoon shade is advisable.