Tsuchigumo
‘Tsuchigumo’ is a Japanese maple with very refined charm: in spring, the young leaves emerge in rusty / reddish tones, then quickly turn bright green for summer. In autumn, it transforms into a luminous golden yellow, often edged with crimson. Its distinctive feature: leaves that are often slightly twisted or crinkled.
Character & interest
‘Tsuchigumo’ is a cultivar of details: small leaves, a balanced habit, and above all a subtly crinkled leaf surface that catches the light. It stays ornamental all season, with a very strong peak in autumn (gold + red edge), ideal for brightening a garden scene.
Colours
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Spring : rusty / reddish at emergence, then a quick transition.
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Summer : bright green (often a clear, true green).
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Autumn : brilliant gold to golden yellow, frequently with a crimson edge.
Habit & vigour
Rather upright and well-structured habit, with moderate growth (often described as semi-dwarf / small subject). The silhouette is easy to train as a small tree or a large shrub.
Indicative size
Observed orders of magnitude depending on sources and training:
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about 2.5 m at 10 years is a frequently given figure,
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at maturity, some references indicate up to ~4 m,
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in a container, it can stay more compact depending on pot volume and training.
Exposure
Gentle sun / bright partial shade. A sheltered position (dry winds, scorching sun) helps keep the foliage clean.
| Groupe MS | 6. Crispum |
|---|---|
| Habit | Upright |
| Vigueur | Modérée |
| Taille 10 ans | Moyen (2-4m) |
| Forme de feuille | Crispum |
| Couleur Printemps | Vert bordé rouge |
| Couleur Été | Green |
| Couleur Automne | Yellow / Gold |
| Size / Grade | C1, C1.5, C10, C2, C3, C5, C7.5, P9 |
