Description

🍁 Kinran Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Kinran’)

Acer palmatum ‘Kinran’, meaning “Golden Brocade” in Japanese, is a highly ornamental Japanese maple cultivar prized for its richly textured foliage, gold‑veined spring color, and dynamic seasonal transitions. This cultivar stands out for its deeply divided leaves, which emerge in spring as a glowing blend of bronze, gold, and red, each lobe traced with fine golden highlights that give the tree its “brocade” namesake.

Through summer, the foliage matures to a deep green with subtle bronze undertones, maintaining excellent texture and contrast in partial shade. As autumn arrives, ‘Kinran’ transforms again, producing vibrant shades of crimson, orange, and scarlet, often with layered tones across the canopy. The fall display is consistently strong and one of the most admired features of this cultivar.

‘Kinran’ grows as a medium‑sized, upright Japanese maple with a rounded crown and elegant branching. It performs best in part sun to bright shade, where its foliage color is richest and protected from scorching. Its refined structure and multi‑season color shifts make it ideal for Japanese‑style gardens, woodland borders, and specimen plantings near patios or entryways.

Collectors value ‘Kinran’ for its distinctive spring color, reliable fall performance, and classic Japanese maple elegance.

Key Features

• Golden‑veined spring foliage with bronze and red tones
• Deeply divided leaves with rich texture
• Brilliant fall color in crimson, orange, and scarlet
• Upright, rounded form ideal for specimen use
• Excellent for Japanese‑style and woodland landscapes

Growth & Habit

• Height: 10–15 ft
• Spread: 8–12 ft
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Form: Upright, rounded small tree

Site Requirements

• Light: Part sun to bright shade
• Soil: Moist, well‑drained loam
• Moisture: Moderate; appreciates consistent moisture

Landscape Uses

• Specimen tree
• Japanese‑style gardens
• Woodland borders
• Entryway and courtyard plantings
• Four‑season ornamental landscapes