Miyabe maple is a deciduous shade tree native to scattered stream and river locations in Hokkaido, Japan, where it now grows endangered in the wild. This elegant cultivar 'Morton' (sold as State Street) typically reaches 25 to 40 feet tall and equally wide, with a naturally oval to rounded crown that fills in gracefully over time. Its five-lobed, dark green leaves display the classic palmate veining you'd expect from a quality maple, each leaf reaching 3 to 5 inches long with bluntly toothed edges and deep sinuses. Hardiness through zones 4 to 8 makes it a genuine option for northern gardeners seeking something beyond the usual suspects. Leaves hold their green well into October before shifting to pale or rich yellow, offering reliable fall color without the drama of some Japanese maples.
Partial Sun
Moderate
4-8
480in H x 480in W
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High
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Miyabe maple earns its place as a street and shade tree through exceptional toughness combined with refined appearance. The tree shows no serious insect or disease problems, a rarity that makes maintenance genuinely low. Its modest size and broad oval form fit seamlessly into residential landscapes where space matters, and the extended green-to-yellow transition in fall provides weeks of interest rather than a fleeting display.
Miyabe maple functions as both a shade tree and a street tree. Its moderate mature size (30 to 40 feet tall and wide) fits urban and suburban settings where overhead space is limited, while its broad crown creates meaningful shade for patios, lawns, or adjacent plantings. The clean, non-messy growth habit and absence of serious pest and disease pressures make it a sensible choice for municipal plantings where maintenance budgets matter.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in early spring or fall, when the tree is dormant or just emerging from dormancy. Loosen the root ball gently and position the tree so the top of the rootball sits level with the surrounding soil. Space at least 30 feet from other large trees and structures to accommodate mature width. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture through the first growing season.
Prune Miyabe maple in late winter or early spring before active growth begins. Remove any crossing, broken, or diseased branches, and thin dense growth to improve air circulation and light penetration into the canopy. The tree's naturally oval to rounded form rarely requires heavy shaping; focus on maintaining a strong central leader and well-spaced scaffold branches. Avoid pruning in late summer or fall, as new growth may not harden off before winter.
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“Acer miyabei carries its story in its botanical name, selected specifically from a handful of wild populations clinging to streamside forests in Hokkaido, Japan. The species has become increasingly rare in its native habitat, making cultivated specimens like 'Morton' important reservoirs of genetic diversity. The selection and introduction of this particular cultivar reflects a deliberate effort to bring a refined, hardy Japanese maple into Western gardens without the fussiness that smaller Japanese maple cultivars often demand.”