Miyabe Maple
Acer miyabei
Miyabe Maple (Acer miyabei) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 30–40 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Variable hardiness.
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Acer miyabei
- Variety / cultivar
- Miyabe
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 30–40 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~35 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Fall color
- Orange, red, yellow
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- high
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Watch: TransplantsIt resents being moved, so start with smaller stock, plant in spring, and get the spot right the first time.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Aphids and honeydew
- Verticillium wilt on some species
- Leaf scorch in hot, dry, windy sites
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Miyabe Maple good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Miyabe Maple is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Miyabe Maple get?
- It matures to about 30–40 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide.
- How much room does Miyabe Maple need?
- Give Miyabe Maple about 35 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Miyabe Maple grow into?
- Miyabe Maple typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Miyabe Maple hardy on the Front Range?
- Miyabe Maple is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Miyabe Maple need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Miyabe Maple grow?
- Miyabe Maple is a slow-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Miyabe Maple live?
- Miyabe Maple has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Miyabe Maple turn in fall?
- Miyabe Maple turns orange, red, and yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Miyabe Maple native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Miyabe Maple deer-resistant?
- No. Miyabe Maple is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Miyabe Maple prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Miyabe Maple can be affected by aphids and honeydew and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
