Japanese Maple Acer palmatum 'Bi Ho' (P)

Names

• Family

  Sapindaceae

• Synonyms

  Japanese Maple, Smooth Japanese Maple

• Common names

  Acer palmatum 'Bi-ho'

Toxicity

• To humans

  The Japanese maple is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of its parts is not typically associated with poisoning or harmful symptoms in people.

• To pets

  The Japanese maple is generally considered to be non-toxic to pets as well. There should be no symptoms of poisoning or severe consequences in pets as a result of ingesting any part of this plant. However, it is always prudent to prevent pets from consuming plants as individual animals might react differently, and ingestion of non-food items can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset or blockages.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Varies

• Height

  6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)

• Spread

  4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  5-8

• Native area

  Japan

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: The Acer palmatum 'Bi Ho', commonly known as Japanese Maple 'Bi Ho', adds visual interest to landscapes with its unique yellow to chartreuse winter bark and attractive green summer foliage.
• Seasonal Color: This variety provides year-round interest with foliage that changes color throughout the seasons, displaying hues of green, gold, and sometimes crimson.
• Shade Provision: Its canopy creates a cool, shaded area beneath, which can be beneficial for understory plants and as a comfortable retreat on sunny days.
• Wildlife Habitat: The Japanese Maple 'Bi Ho' can serve as a habitat and food source for various species of birds and insects, contributing to biodiversity.
• Compact Size: With a moderate growth rate and relatively small mature size, it fits well into smaller gardens or as a feature in larger landscapes without overwhelming the space.
• Erosion Control: This deciduous tree's root system helps stabilize the soil, mitigating erosion on slopes or in areas susceptible to soil loss.
• Cultural Significance: Japanese Maples, including 'Bi Ho', have cultural importance in Japanese gardening and are often used in traditional garden designs, symbolizing peace and serenity.
• Privacy Screen: When planted in groups, these trees can form loose barriers or screens that add privacy to gardens and outdoor spaces.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• The Japanese Maple 'Bi Ho' can be utilized in bonsai cultivation due to its small leaves, interesting branch structure, and vibrant seasonal colors.
• Its wood, being relatively hard and having a fine grain, is occasionally used in woodworking for making small objects or inlays that require detail and precision.
• In photography and painting, the Japanese Maple 'Bi Ho' often serves as a subject for artists because of its striking aesthetics and seasonal color changes.
• This variety, with its unique colored bark, can be used in winter gardens to provide color contrast against snow or evergreens.
• The bark of the Japanese Maple 'Bi Ho' can be used for creating natural dyes, offering subtle colors for fabrics or art projects.
• Leaves from the Japanese Maple 'Bi Ho' can be pressed and preserved in books, used for crafts, or even as educational materials in botany classes.
• The seeds of the Japanese Maple 'Bi Ho' can be collected and used as part of a seed exchange program, helping to spread biodiversity and appreciation for unique plant varieties.
• Being a relatively small tree, the Japanese Maple 'Bi Ho' is ideal for urban and small-space gardening where larger trees cannot be accommodated.
• With its dense foliage, Japanese Maple 'Bi Ho' can be used in gardens to create a natural privacy screen or to cast a soft, filtered shade.
• Creative landscape designers might incorporate the fallen leaves of the Japanese Maple 'Bi Ho' into their compositions, using them to add color and texture to the garden floor.

Feng Shui

The Japanese Maple is known for its graceful beauty and vibrant foliage, which can bring a sense of calm and serenity into a garden or home. In Feng Shui, placing a Japanese Maple in the East for family harmony or Southeast for wealth attraction is believed to enhance these areas due to its wood element. Its red leaves can also add the fire element, promoting positive energy flow.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Japanese Maple is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Beauty: The striking appearance of the Japanese maple, with its delicate leaves and varying colors, commonly symbolizes beauty in the plant world.
• Peace: The serene growth habit and calming presence of the Japanese maple can evoke a sense of peace and tranquility.
• Balancing Contrast: With its leaves that change color with the seasons, the Japanese maple is often seen as a symbol of the balance between contrasting forces, reflecting the transient nature of life.
• Endurance and Strength: Despite its delicate appearance, the Japanese maple is quite resilient, and it can represent the ability to endure and remain strong through adversity.
• Elegance: The graceful form of the Japanese maple and its refined structure symbolize elegance and sophistication.