Growth Rate
Slow
Moderate
Fast
Fast
Very vigorous growth reported by Maple Ridge Nursery.
PUNGO MAPLES
Virginia Beach Japanese Maple Nursery
Inazuma
Acer palmatum
● In Stock
Cultivar Description & Characteristics
Inazuma, translating to Lightning, is an energetic upright tree featuring deeply lobed, sharply pointed leaves of dark purple. The spring foliage emerges with incredible vigor, showcasing a deep, near-black burgundy coloration. Throughout summer, the dark leaves hold their sophisticated tone before turning brilliant crimson in the fall. Its strong branching pattern and dark beauty make it a standout specimen plant.
10-Yr Height
10.0
10-Yr Width
8.0
Seasonal Foliage Spectrum
Spring: Dark Purple
Summer: Burgundy
Fall: Brilliant Crimson
Sun Tolerance Ratings
Morning Sun
9 / 10
Afternoon Sun
7 / 10
☀️ Morning Sun Guidance:
Deep, near-black burgundy spring foliage emerges with incredible vigor.
☀️ Afternoon Sun Guidance:
Strong branching pattern handles normal summer sun exposures effectively.
Image highlights cultivar traits and is not exact photo of available stock. Image is property of Pungo Maples, unauthorized use prohibited.
Get to know your maple
Growth Habit & Size
Upright · Spreading
Upright framework develops a broad, spreading crown that can become as wide as or wider than tall.
What do these growth habit terms mean?
More than one term can apply. Branch direction, crown shape and size describe different characteristics, and the outline can change as a tree matures.
- Upright
- Main stems and branches emphasize upward growth. An upright tree can still develop a broad canopy.
- Spreading
- Branches extend outward to form a broad canopy. The tree does not have to be wider than it is tall.
- Weeping
- Branches or branchlets arch or hang downward. The tree can still have an upright trunk.
- Rounded
- The crown has a rounded outline. This describes the overall shape rather than the direction of each branch.
- Dwarf
- A cultivar with a smaller natural stature than typical forms of its species. Dwarf describes size, not branch direction or a fixed height limit; it does not automatically mean slow growth.
For example: Bloodgood can grow upright while developing a broad, rounded canopy with spreading branches.
Learn more: NC State plant forms · Bloodgood profile · RHS trees for smaller gardens
Roots & heritage
The story behind Inazuma
- Cultivar origin
- Japan
Acer palmatum 'Inazuma' is a historic Japanese maple cultivar belonging to the Matsumurae Group, distinguished by deeply divided foliage and rich purple-red spring coloration. The Seattle Japanese Garden documents its presence in Japanese cultivation since at least 1882. This establishes a historical record, not the original selection or commercial introduction year. The identity of its selector, precise selection location, and parentage remain undocumented. The cultivar was established in the United States by 1947, when a specimen was planted at the Seattle Japanese Garden. Institutional collection records also identify material obtained from Japanese nurseryman Koichiro Wada. 'Inazuma' develops an upright, spreading canopy, with foliage becoming greener during summer before turning red-purple in autumn. No cultivar-specific United States plant patent or registered trademark was established from the available records. This does not determine propagation rights or contractual royalty obligations.
Explore the sources behind this story
Seattle Japanese Garden - Inazuma historical cultivation in Japan since 1882Seattle Japanese Garden - Maple Collection history, Inazuma planted in 1947Plant Collections Network - 2017 Acer holdings, Inazuma accession and Koichiro Wada provenanceTrees and Shrubs Online - Acer palmatum botanical and cultivation historyUSPTO - Official Patent Public Search; cultivar-specific plant patent not verifiedUSPTO - Official Trademark Search; cultivar-specific registration not verified
📊 Inventory and Pricing
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Pungo Maples Onsite Inventory
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