Acer palmatum 'Beni shi en'
Purple Smoke Japanese Maple

Zones 5-9

This unique Acer palmatum was found as a variegated sport off a heat tolerant red Japanese maple in lower Alabama. 'Beni shi en' leafs out in the early spring as purple with lime-green variegation. 'Beni shi en' is a photographer's delight as every leaf is variegated differently.

By mid-summer, this Japanese maple is a green-red with a creamy variegation. Fall colors on this tree are bright oranges to reds. 'Beni shi en' translates as "purple smoke" which is quite fitting for such a heat tolerant deep purple maple. It forms a vase-like shape up to 10-12 feet in 15 years. 'Beni shi en' is a Japanese maple selection made right here in the South by the famous Japanese maple legend, Harold Johnston of Alabama.

'Beni shi en' is often used in the deep south to bring a unique ornamental style to that southern exposure spot in the landscape. It is great for focal point planting and should be planted where one can see the unique style of variegation on every leaf.

These 10 gallon trees are for local pickup only, we cannot ship them because they are too big. The MrMaple Nursery is located in East Flat Rock, NC. Please contact us to arrange a pickup time.