Acer palmatum 'Sophia' Rare Japanese Maple Maple Ridge Introduction Oregon is very rare because

Oregon is very rare because it grows only an inch or two each year and it is difficult to propagate

The Japanese name means ridge on Mount Tsukuba

This old cultivar with a name that means pepper and salt

The dusted variegation turns purple in the fall to go with the orange foliage

‘Shaggy Dog’ forms a rounded mound with soft green foliage

Acer palmatum 'Sophia' Rare Japanese Maple Maple Ridge Introduction Oregon is very rare becauseAcer palmatum Sophia is a new introduction by Maple Ridge Nursery that was discovered as a chance seedling. Sophia is still under observation, but there is no doubt that this is a special Japanese maple tree. Sophia is a matsamurae type Japanese maple with thin leaves with lobes that are wider at the base. These leaves emerge in spring with a pale orange color and defined veining. As temperatures increase, the leaves turn to an attractive olive green.