Nishiki gawa

Character & interest

The main feature of 'Nishiki gawa' is its trunk: after 3 to 5 years, the bark begins to form thick, corky plates. Its name, meaning "Brocade River" in Japanese, reflects the visual richness of its bark and evolving foliage. It is a sturdy tree with a strong personality, appearing much older than it truly is.

Colours

• Printemps : : Leaves emerge in a bright, tender green, sometimes with slight reddish tints on the edges.

• Été : : The foliage matures into a healthy, vibrant green.

• Automne : : The season ends with a spectacular display of golden yellow to bright orange, sometimes turning crimson red depending on exposure.

Habit & vigour

Upright and well-branched habit, naturally forming a graceful small tree. It has good vigor and regular growth, allowing the characteristic bark to develop relatively quickly.

Indicative size

• At 10 years: Approximately 2.5 m to 3 m tall.

• At maturity: Can reach 4 m to 5 m in height if left unpruned.

Exposure

Sun or partial shade. Unlike many variegated Japanese maples, 'Nishiki gawa' handles sunlight quite well. In fact, exposure to sun encourages the development of a thicker, more textured bark and promotes more intense autumnal colors.

Origin & history

'Nishiki gawa' is a traditional Japanese horticultural selection. It belongs to the "Arakawa" group of maples, characterized by their rough, corky bark. While it has a long history in Japan, it remains a rarity in Europe because its propagation through grafting requires specific expertise to ensure the unique bark characteristics are successfully transmitted to the new plant.