Ichigyoji Japanese Maple

'Ichigyoji' is a classic and rarely found Japanese maple with deep horticultural heritage, prized for its lush green amoenum foliage, traditional garden presence, and variable autumn colour display of yellow, orange, and red. One of three maples celebrated in J.D. Vertrees' legendary fall colour trifecta, it is a tree sought by knowledgeable collectors and Japanese garden enthusiasts alike.

Growth Form & Habit

'Ichigyoji' develops into a well-formed, rounded to spreading specimen, including:

• An upright to spreading form reaching 10–12 feet tall in 10 years
• A full, layered canopy with classic Japanese maple branching structure
• Refined silhouette that captures the essence of traditional Japanese garden design

Its graceful branch structure remains an elegant feature through winter once the foliage has fallen.

Foliage & Seasonal Characteristics

'Ichigyoji' offers exceptional ornamental interest across all seasons, including:

• Classic broad amoenum-type palmate leaves in a fresh, lush green through spring and summer
• A full, layered canopy with a quintessentially summery feel
• Variable autumn colour display of yellow, orange, and red — sometimes in sequence, sometimes all three at once
• Elegant branching structure with graceful winter presence

Note: while 'Ichigyoji' is cited in Vertrees as the yellow element of the fall trifecta, a pure yellow is not typical — the variable yellow, orange, and red display is still outstanding and makes it a spectacular autumn tree.

Ideal for Bonsai & Garden Use

'Ichigyoji' is an ideal tree for traditional Japanese-inspired garden design, where its classic form and foliage bring authentic character and historical depth. It is a standout specimen for collector landscapes and is equally valuable as part of the Vertrees trifecta planting alongside 'Hogyoku' and 'Osakazuki'. Its refined branching and responsiveness to pruning also make it suitable for larger bonsai work.

Why Choose Ichigyoji?

• Four-season interest: Lush green summer canopy, spectacular variable fall colour, and elegant winter structure
• The Vertrees trifecta: Part of the legendary fall colour trio with 'Hogyoku' (orange) and 'Osakazuki' (red) — a classic collector's planting
• Authentic Japanese garden character: A tree with genuine historical significance and classic form rarely found in the nursery trade
• Reliable fall display: Variable yellow, orange, and red autumn colour — sometimes all three at once
• Bonsai potential: Classic amoenum form and responsive to training

Typical Ichigyoji growth form

Plant Sizes

We offer Ichigyoji Japanese maples in several size categories. Measurements are approximate and provided as a general guideline.

Please note: Plant size and form will vary depending on the cultivar purchased. Dwarf varieties will naturally be smaller and more compact than standard varieties, even within the same pot size.

Grown in Canada, for Canada. All our Japanese maples are cultivated and shipped from our Canadian nursery with care, ensuring they arrive healthy and ready to thrive in your climate.