Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com
Samurai Sword™ Japanese Maple Tree
Acer palmatum 'Samarzam'
This one's sold out. These are ready to ship
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Tamukeyama Japanese Maple Tree
Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Tamukeyama'
Regular price $13849Unit price /Unavailable -
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Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Specifications
| Plant Characteristics | Attracts Birds, Cold hardy, Container Friendly, Deer-resistant, Disease resistant, Drought resistant, Fall Color/Interest, Full Sun, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Shade Tolerant |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone | 5a to 8b |
| Sunlight | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Height | |
| Width | |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Preferred Soil | Peaty |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Blooms In | Spring |
| Flower Color | Red |
| Suitable Space | Outdoors |
| Plant Name | Maple |
| Botanical Name | |
| Species | |
| Cultivar | |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Does Not Ship To | AK, HI, ID, MT, PR |
Description
Samurai Sword™ Japanese Maple – Elegance, Grace and Strength
All the joy of a Japanese maple, but in a much larger, impressive form! The Samurai Sword™ Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Samarzam') is a breathtaking ornamental shade tree that embodies strength, grace, and resilience!
Featuring a narrow, upright, oval form and deeply lobed, rich burgundy-red lacy leaves, this is a unique Japanese Maple offering! This exquisite Maple commands attention in any landscape. Whether as a standout focal point or part of a serene garden setting, this tree offers year-round visual appeal, making it a must-have for Japanese maple enthusiasts and garden lovers alike!
- Striking Foliage – Deeply lobed, palmate leaves turn a brilliant crimson in fall.
- Elegant, Upright Growth – Narrow, vertical habit, and oval-shaped canopy. Perfect for small spaces or as an accent tree.
- Compact Size – Samurai Sword™ Japanese Maple is larger than other Japanese Maples. Mature trees can reach 25 - 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide.
- Year-Round Interest – Stunning red foliage in spring and summer, fiery autumn tones, and elegant bare branches in winter.
- Low Maintenance – Easy to care for, drought-resistant once established, and adaptable to different soil types.
- Cold Hardy & Heat Tolerant – These easy-to-grow Japanese Maples thrive in USDA Zones 5-8, withstanding both warm and cool climates.
Landscaping with the Samurai Sword™ Japanese Maple
The Samurai Sword™ Japanese Maple offers incredible versatility in landscaping, bringing depth, contrast, and elegance to any outdoor space.
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Focal Point Beauty: Plant it as a statement tree in a rock garden, courtyard, or front yard for a show-stopping display. Ideal front yard specimen tree and small backyard shade tree!
Zen & Japanese Gardens: Ideal for traditional Japanese gardens, paired with stone lanterns, moss, and water features.
Small Space Solution: The narrow profile makes it perfect for entryways, modern lots, and side yards.
Urban & Suburban Landscaping: Works well in city gardens, along walkways, or as an elegant accent in modern landscapes. - Small-Scale Shade & Privacy: Plant anywhere you need some pinpoint shade or screening to block unwanted views into a first-story window.
Care & Maintenance
This tree is low-maintenance and resilient, but a little care ensures it thrives for generations.
Care Guide & Tips:
Read more care and tips for Japanese Maples in our Garden Blog! But the key highlights on caring for your new tree include:
Sunlight: Japanese Maple trees prefer partial shade but tolerate full sun in cooler growing zones. However, protection from the hot afternoon sun is recommended in hotter climates.
Soil: Plant Maple trees in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal. Avoid heavy clay.
Watering: Water deeply but infrequently; ensure the soil remains moist but not soggy.
Mulching: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature. (Please no mulch volcanoes!)
Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed for this deciduous tree! Shape in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
Timeless Elegance For Your Landscape!
The Proven Winners® Samurai Sword™ Japanese Maple is a masterpiece of nature, combining strength, beauty, and versatility. Whether you’re creating a peaceful retreat, a striking focal point, or a sophisticated modern garden, this Japanese maple is the perfect addition.
Order yours today at NatureHills.com and transform your outdoor space with elegance and grace!
Planting & Care
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping Rates
Ships in 3-5 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Find on Page
Type to search specs, description, care, FAQ, and shipping.
This is a special 5 yr anniversary tree for us that we are planting at our first home! Iim giving 4 stars because the tree arrived with some pretty crispy tips, but hopefully it will freshen up now that it’s in the ground. The box the tree came in was battered and actually torn open, but the tree was safe and that’s UPS’s fault not the nursery.
What a meaningful tree to mark five years and your first home together. Tamukeyama is a great choice for that kind of planting. Crispy tips after shipping can happen, especially when a box takes a beating in transit, and once the roots settle in and the tree gets a good drink, new growth usually firms things up. Please reach out to the Nature Hills team if you have any concerns. Happy Anniversary!
I’m thinking I need to transplant it into a bigger pot?
Inaba Shidare maples do appreciate room to spread their roots, so if yours is looking crowded or drying out quickly between waterings, moving it up to a larger container is a reasonable next step. With this being an outdoor plant, the best thing to do is get it into the ground so it can establish its root system before winter. If you want to talk through the specifics of your plant's situation, our support team is happy to help. -The Nature Hills team
I ordered a Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple tree; instead I received a Tamukeyama Japanese maple tree. What happened to my tree that I ordered?
Forgot to show a picture of my Japanese Maple. As you can see it’s adapted to its new home quite well, good coloring.
That coloring really does speak for itself. Tamukeyama tends to hold that deep burgundy-red well through the season, so it sounds like yours is settling in right where it wants to be. Thanks for circling back to share the photo, Karin. We hope it keeps putting on a great show for you.
I was pleased with the timely response to my concern with my Japanese Maple tree. I am happy to report the tree seems to be flourishing with new growth and beautiful color.
New growth and good color on an Inaba Shidare is a genuinely encouraging sign, especially after any early concern. This cultivar can take a little time to settle in, so it's great to hear it's moving in the right direction. Thanks for the update and for giving the tree a chance to find its footing. The Nature Hills Team
The graft for the tree is 20 inches above the root ball. To tall for my use. I was told that I couldn’t return it due to health restrictions.I understand that-don’t need to put back with others if it picked up contracting some disease. I planted it in a pot. I hate to throw away a living plant. I have other dwarf weeping Japanese maple trees and love how the trunk and limbs twist and curl. This one is definitely NOT what I thought I was getting.
I Got what I ordered. There was no issue with delivery because it was packaged well. The tree is growing fast.
Hi Scott, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review for our Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple. We truly appreciate your feedback. We're thrilled to hear that your tree is growing quickly and that there were no issues with delivery. To keep your tree thriving, we recommend giving it plenty of water and providing some shade during hot summer months. Happy gardening - Nature Hills Customer Support
It arrived dry and crunchy, leaves falling off...I thought let me quickly repot it and get it hydrated b/c I may have been stressed during the 10 day travel. I haven't recovered, Nature Hills gave me tips, but I don't think the tree will survive. It's getting worse and that makes me sad.
Late winter we had a warming trend, and it leafed out - then we had a cold period and the leaves died - but now elsewhere on tree it has leafed out and looks great
Japanese maples can be tricky in that late-winter warm spell situation, and it is genuinely reassuring when a tree pushes through the frost damage and comes back from other buds the way yours did. Inaba Shidare is a resilient variety, and once it settles in you should see that deep burgundy laceleaf filling out nicely each season. Thanks for sharing the update.
Beautiful tree, larger than expected, came in perfect condition
Larger than expected is always a good surprise with a tree like this. Inaba Shidare is such a standout in the landscape, and it sounds like yours arrived ready to get established. Thanks for sharing, Moira. We hope it brings you years of great color.
Received a 3'5" tree packaged well with a huge leafy head. I'm happy 😊
My tree does not look anything like the photo but is tall (3’)with a small leaf section. I am sure after some pruning and future growth it will spread out but have received several compliments already.
Hi Ed, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. The photo on our website shows a mature Inaba Shidare to illustrate the variety’s long-term shape and color. We ship younger trees because they establish faster and travel safely; as yours grows, it will develop the signature cascading, laceleaf canopy over the next few seasons. Color and fullness also vary by time of year. Happy Planting - Nature Hills Customer Support
2nd tree came in perfect condition .
Thank you Gain
Hi Kathleen, thank you for taking the time to leave a review for our Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple. We are so happy to hear that your second tree arrived in perfect condition. Thank you for choosing our product and for your support. As a gardening tip, make sure to prune your maple in late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth. Happy gardening! -Nature Hills Customer Service
I've purchased a Harry Lauder's Walking Stick and an Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple from Nature Hills Nursery both of which arrived in excellent condition and are now thriving in my gardens. I will not hesitate to purchase from Nature Hills Nursery.
Dear Bette,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such wonderful feedback! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that your Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick and Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple arrived in excellent condition and are flourishing in your garden. It’s always our goal to ensure that every plant you order makes your outdoor space more beautiful and thriving.
If you ever have questions on care tips or want inspirations for new additions to your garden, we’re always here to help ensure your planting experience continues to be enjoyable and successful.
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
To young to tell. Hoping that it will look like the picture. Charlotte tells me to be patient and the trees look just like they should. Perhaps next year I’ll see a Hugh difference.
Hello Evelyn,
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful update with us! We completely understand how exciting (and sometimes a little nerve-wracking) it can be to watch young trees grow and wonder just how they’ll transform over time. It’s wonderful to hear that Charlotte has been guiding you with such patience, and it’s great that your trees look just as they should at this stage.
Checking on your trees for new growth, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, and ensuring they get plenty of sunlight can help promote healthy development as the seasons go by. If you ever want tips specific to your tree varieties or advice on giving them that extra boost next year, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
I was very excited to receive this tree. It has great definition and a symmetric look. I will definitely purchase again from this seller.
Hello Bonnie,
Thank you so much for sharing your joyful experience with us! We’re delighted to hear that your new tree arrived in such beautiful condition and that its symmetry and definition have impressed you. It’s always wonderful to know our efforts to provide high-quality plants are shining through.
If you ever need tips on tree care or ideas for the perfect spot to make your tree thrive, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you nurture a thriving garden.
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
I was very excited to receive this tree. It has great definition and a symmetric look. I will definitely purchase again from this seller.
Hello Bonnie,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your new tree arrived looking beautifully defined and symmetrical—those qualities really help your garden shine. It means a lot to us that you plan to purchase from Nature Hills again, and we’ll be here to help you choose something special whenever you’re ready to grow your collection further.
If you ever have any questions about care or planting tips, don’t hesitate to reach out. We want your beautiful trees to thrive for years to come!
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
To young to tell. Hoping that it will look like the picture. Charlotte tells me to be patient and the trees look just like they should. Perhaps next year I’ll see a Hugh difference.
Dear Eve,
Thank you so much for sharing your honest update with us! We completely understand that young trees take time to grow and reveal their full beauty, and it’s wonderful to hear that Charlotte is already seeing healthy, promising growth. Your patience will surely be rewarded as your trees continue to mature, and it’s true—next year will bring exciting changes that bring you closer to the lovely landscape you envisioned.
If you ever have questions about optimal care during this early stage or want tips to encourage strong growth, feel free to reach out. In the meantime, keeping your trees well-watered and mulched can make a big difference in how vibrantly they develop.
We’re rooting for your greenery to flourish and grow just as the picture shows!
Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists
So far so good planted about a month ago now fall is here so leaves are shriveling we will see in the spring
Hi Mark,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us! It’s wonderful to hear that your plants are doing well a month after planting. Fall can definitely bring those changing leaf colors and some shriveling as plants enter dormancy, so it sounds like your plants are following their natural cycle right on track. When spring arrives, you should see fresh growth coming back stronger than ever!
If you ever want tips on winter care or preparing your garden for the colder months, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help ensure your plants thrive through every season.
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
So far so good planted about a month ago now fall is here so leaves are shriveling we will see in the spring
Hi Mark,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your recent planting! It’s completely natural for leaves to shrivel as fall progresses and the plants start preparing for dormancy. Come spring, you should see new growth and many fresh leaves sprouting as your plants wake up. In the meantime, be sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy, and avoid fertilizing through the colder months—it'll help your plants conserve their energy for a healthy bloom season ahead.
If you ever want tips on winter care or need advice in spring, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to support your gardening journey!
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
Packaging and condition of plant was excellent. A quality tree at a nice price!
Hi David,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that your tree arrived in excellent condition and that you found it to be a quality specimen at a great price. We take great care in our packaging to ensure your plants reach you healthy and ready to thrive, so it means a lot to us that you noticed.
If you have any questions as your tree grows or would like tips for care specific to your new specimen, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help you nurture a beautiful garden.
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
Packaging and condition of plant was excellent. A quality tree at a nice price!
Hello David,
Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience! We're thrilled to hear that your tree arrived in excellent condition and that you found it to be a quality specimen at a good value. We take pride in our careful packaging and delivering strong, healthy plants to our customers, so your feedback means a lot to us.
If you ever have questions about planting or care as your tree settles in, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be happy to provide tips or recommended resources to help your tree thrive.
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
