Acer Palmatun -- Osakazuki vs Shindeshojo

The Pan · July 06, 2011, 04:41:20 PM

Hey all. I've chanced into ownership of a small lot in the North Georgia Piedmont which boasts a small number of mature Japanese maples. As a grower, my first thought was that this small number represents 300,000+ viable seeds per season, and we all know the commercial value of Japanese maples. So I set out to identify the species, and now have the This or That dilemma on my hands.

By most photographic accounts these trees may be either Osakazuki or Shindeshojo. Although I an leaning towards Osakazuki, I am still uncertain, and I don't believe I should sell a thing if I don't know what it is (I've met many growers that do this, they suck). Does anyone know a really good link for this sort of thing? Thanks.

Tom · July 06, 2011, 06:06:41 PM

I know that some trees require laboratory testing to define their identification. State Universities usually have a Botany or Forestry Department that will do it.

Forest Products Laboratory
One Gifford Pinchot Drive
Madison, WI 53726
Phone: (608) 231-9200

Will identify wood as well.

I don't have an answer myself.

Welcome to The Forestry Forum.

SwampDonkey · July 06, 2011, 06:23:47 PM

I'd have no idea on foreign trees except Norway Maple, and Scots pine.

What makes them valueable? It is because of a it's value as a yard tree or the wood? I've not heard of any foreign species (grown here) being of much value unless your the guy growing trees for landscaping. Then a $3 sapling becomes about $60 bucks, and I have to do the planting. :D

Sure, some tropical hardwoods are quite valuable, but they aren't growing them here. ;)

Welcome to the forum though. Feel free to post a picture. ;D

The Pan · July 07, 2011, 01:50:35 AM

Oh, typo. Thats Palmatum not Palmatun.

Thanks Tom. I continued looking and have finally decided (based on a few text descriptions) that I have Osakazukis here. I don't even have to grow these to make money, the going rate here is almost $1/seed.

Donkey, you're so close to the American East I can't believe you don't know this. Anyway; Japanese maple is one of the most sought and highest priced ornamentals in America.

<-- BTW, this smiley is creepy evil.