Acer palmatum Bihou

Acer palmatum Bihou is the yellow ‘coral bark’. This yellow/green cultivar has yellow to orangish colored bark which is more dramatic when the temperatures are cold. Bihou in Japanese is a girl’s name for ‘beauty’.  Spring growth is light green changing to darker green in the summer. In the fall the green changes to yellow and then orange as the yellow bark begins to darken. Sometimes there is a hint of pink or orange in the coloration of the bark.

Bihou like Sango kaku can handle full sun or partial shade and grows to about 7′ tall and 4′ wide.  This maple provides  months and months of outstanding color. One of my top 30 favorites. Whether you are planning on container gardening or planting in the ground please check out my articles about growing Japanese Maples.  For more information see Care and Maintenance of Japanese Maples or Container Gardening

Acer palmatum  Bihou like all maples may require some pruning for shape. For more information please see Pruning Japanese Maples. Once established hardy to -10 degrees – USDA zone 6.

When I started growing Japanese Maples 35+ years ago I visualized various cultivars planted in and around the large Douglas fir trees and even larger native Gary oak trees that live on our 13 acres. I considered the percentage of sun and shade during the summer months to find the best location for each maple to enhance ‘Mother Nature’ and this magnificent land we call home. Bihou fits most locations because of its unique yellow color in the winter and the fact that it doesn’t get too big.

If you love Japanese Maples as much as I do, you can learn more about these amazing trees by joining the Facebook  Group – Japanese Maples and Conifers. I also recommend you join the Maple Society North American Branch both are free to join – you just have to be a Facebook member. The contributors to the groups have a wealth of experience and post many photos.