Acer ID help required

Discussion in 'Maples' started by Desmond van Zyl, May 27, 2025.

  1. Desmond van Zyl

    Desmond van Zyl New Member

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    Hello Acer Aficionados,
    I have been trying to correctly ID my acers. I have a few left which I have not been able to match up with some labels that I found in a long forgotten drawer. The spare labels are: Shigitatsu Sawa, Summer Gold, Orange Dream, Itaya Momji. I am hoping that someone might be able to help me to positively identify any of these. There are two pics for each plant.
     

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  2. AlainK

    AlainK Renowned Contributor Forums Moderator Maple Society 10 Years

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    I'd say the first two pics are Itaya Momiji, the leaves are typical of A. japonicum.
    And to me the last two look like Orange Dream.
     
  3. Desmond van Zyl

    Desmond van Zyl New Member

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    Thank you for your reply Alain. I was a bit premature in my post because I have a couple more trees and labels to throw into the identification mix. Acer Japonicum Ruby, Acer Shirasawanum Red Dawn.
    These labels could belong to any of the trees in the previous post or the two new ones I'm adding with this post.
     

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  4. maf

    maf Generous Contributor Maple Society 10 Years

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    The trees in the most recent post look like Acer japonicum 'Ruby' and 'Orange Dream'.

    The last tree in the first post has the wrong leaf shape for 'Orange Dream', although colour is similar. It might be 'Summer Gold' but I only know this one from pictures.

    If the six labels definitely belong to the six trees pictured I would say that in order of posting the pictures represent:

    Itaya Momji
    Acer shirasawanum Red Dawn
    Shigitatsu sawa
    Summer Gold
    Acer Japonicum Ruby
    Orange Dream

    If there is a possibility of other labels and/or trees being in the mix then I would not be so sure.
     
  5. Desmond van Zyl

    Desmond van Zyl New Member

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    Thanks for your input maf.

    I don't think any other labels are in play....I have about 40 others either in the ground or in pots that I have managed NOT to get mixed up or confused.

    Your analysis has been helpful especially with the 'Orange Dream' / 'Summer Gold' conundrum.

    I have re-ordered the pictures to reflect the order you listed them. Is this now correct?
     

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  6. maf

    maf Generous Contributor Maple Society 10 Years

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    Yes, that is my best guess.

    The leaf shape on the Shigitatsu sawa looks a bit strange, would normally expect to see more lobes. However it is the only reticulated tree and the only label for a reticulated maple so must be right. Looks like a young tree so juvinility of the growth might be a factor.
     
  7. dicky5ash

    dicky5ash Generous Contributor Maple Society

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    @maf I agree re leaf shape,..it seems a bit off..here’s mine:
    IMG_1726.png
     
  8. Desmond van Zyl

    Desmond van Zyl New Member

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    I haven't found any other labels. I do, however see quite a resemblance between your pic above and one of mine which we were thinking was Shirasawanum Red Dawn?? Could it be that this one is the Shigitatsu and not Red Dawn?
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     

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  9. dicky5ash

    dicky5ash Generous Contributor Maple Society

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    Hi - yes I think that’s the case
     
  10. Desmond van Zyl

    Desmond van Zyl New Member

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    Thanks for your input dicky5ash It does seem that Shigitatsu has now been ID'd.
    The 5-lobed one must be a cultivar for which I have no label.
    I'll keep trying to identify that one.
     
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