Japanese Maple Acer ‘Koto no ito’ 40/60cm (3L)

‘Koto-no-ito’, apparently meaning ‘Harp Strings’ in Japanese, perfectly describes this remarkable maple’s most distinctive feature – its unusually narrow, elongated leaf lobes.

Each leaf comprises five to seven extremely thin, tapering lobes that create an elegant, flowing appearance reminiscent of musical strings. This unique foliage characteristic sets it apart from traditional Japanese maples and creates fascinating movement in even the slightest breeze.

The leaves emerge in spring as bright apple-green, maintaining this fresh colour throughout summer. As autumn approaches, they transform into beautiful bronze and golden yellow tones, creating a warm seasonal finale before falling.

This variety grows slowly, eventually forming a rounded shrub reaching up to 3 metres in height. Its controlled growth rate and naturally balanced form make it perfect for smaller gardens or as a distinctive focal point in larger landscapes.

The tree’s architectural form and unusual foliage make it particularly effective when positioned where its detailed leaves can be appreciated up close. It’s equally stunning when backlit, with light filtering through the narrow leaf segments creating beautiful effects.

‘Koto-no-ito’ performs best in partially shaded positions where its delicate foliage can develop without scorching. It’s perfect for creating unique textural interest in Japanese-style gardens or adding an unusual accent to contemporary landscapes.

Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres

Time to ultimate height
20–50 years

Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres

Please note: Decorative pots shown are for display purposes only. Your tree will be supplied in a standard plastic nursery pot shown in the other pictures.