Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' is an upright, fast-growing cultivar with large amoenum-style leaves that emerge light green in spring, deepen to dark green by midsummer, and transition to brilliant bright red in autumn, a color so intense it is often described as electric or fiery red. Red samaras develop in spring and summer, creating striking contrast against the green foliage. The cultivar is notably cold and heat tolerant, performing well from USDA zones 5 through 9 and capable of full sun exposure even in zone 8; light afternoon shade is recommended in zone 9. According to the growers at Mr Maple, 'Osakazuki' was tested by the Mountain Research Center in Western North Carolina and performed exceptionally well during harsh freeze events, and the cultivar's name derives from a traditional Japanese drinking bowl with brilliant red coloration, reflecting the tree's outstanding fall display. Typically reaching 12-16 feet tall with a 12-15 foot spread in 15 years, it is one of the faster-growing Japanese maples and makes an excellent focal point or shade tree for smaller plantings; it pairs particularly well with golden or orange-toned cultivars such as 'Hogyoku' and 'Green Star' to create dynamic seasonal contrast.