Maple
Bihou
Acer palmatum
A coral bark-type Japanese maple prized for its bright golden-yellow winter bark, which intensifies in color as temperatures drop and provides dramatic structural interest once the leaves have dropped. Spring foliage emerges a soft yellow-green, holding light color through summer before a clean yellow fall display, but it is the vivid winter bark that defines this cultivar's garden value.
Growing Specifications
- Height
- Variable with age and site conditions
- Spread
- Variable with age and site conditions
- Watering
- Moderate; consistent moisture during establishment
- Light
- Morning sun, afternoon shade
- Heat Tolerance
- Moderate; benefits from afternoon shade protection to preserve foliage color
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Soil Requirement
- Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil
North Texas Micro-climate Notes
Coral bark maples benefit from a position where the winter bark display is visible from key viewing points in the garden. Afternoon shade protection helps preserve foliage quality through North Texas summer heat.
Care Instructions
Plant in loose, well-amended, slightly acidic soil. Provide consistent moisture through the growing season. Selective pruning to encourage young stem growth helps maximize winter bark color.
Landscape Usage
An excellent winter-interest specimen positioned where its glowing bark is visible from indoors or a main garden path during the dormant season.
Fun Fact
Like other coral bark maples, the bark color on 'Bihou' is most vivid on younger stems and intensifies through the winter months — many collectors selectively prune to encourage fresh young growth specifically to maximize the winter bark display.
