Shaina (Acer palmatum 'Shaina' )

This is the smallest growing of the groups of palmatums which are coral red in the spring and on the new growth later in the year. Also in the group are Shishio improved, Shindeshojo, Beni maiko. A mature specimen will probably be under 5′. zone 6

Saoshika (Acer palmatum 'Saoshika' )

Saoshika has a green leaf much like that of Osakazuki, reddish in the spring, soon changing to green. The fall color is supposed to be pure gold, but mine this fall were the most stunning orange red I have ever seen. The tree which is not tall (12′) has a layered look. It is available in all sizes. The photo from Winch shows beautifully the broad ovate lobed leaves (my favorite shape) and the almost translucent yellow green spring color.

Sango kaku (Acer palmatum 'Sango kaku' )

I have three coral-bark cultivars that I can’t really tell apart: Sango kaku, Beni kawa, Red wood. Each has the startling red bark you see in the photo in the winter WHILE THE TREE IS YOUNG. Once the tree matures, the only coral bark is on the new growth which can be mighty little. However the yellow green foliage in the summer and the pink/orange in the fall and the general gracefulness of the tree (25′ sometimes) is not to be sneezed at. However, do not plant this cultivar in a landscape where it gets watered at night. That is actually a pretty good rule of thumb for any Japanese Maple. zone5

Samidare (Acer palmatum 'Samidare')

This small broad tree sports my favorite leaf shape: broadly ovate. The leaves come out pink in the spring then become sort of multi-hued for the summer. In fall the hues are gold and purple.

Sagara nishiki (Acer palmatum 'Sagara nishiki' )

This is a small, but lovely cultivar for a filtered-sun location. It has golden variegated leaves that will burn in strong sunlight, but shine in a protected location. zone 6

Ryuzu (Acer palmatum 'Ryuzu' )

Ryuzu is a charming dwarf with bunchy leaves and an ever changing color show. When I say dwarf, I mean short and sloooow.

Ryu sei (Acer palmatum 'Ryu sei')

This weeper is the saddest of all; it grows quickly as tall as the stake you put it on and then it cascades straight down forming a pillar of small palmate leaves. Sort of interesting actually. Fall color gold.