This is a nice specimen I planted for a friend this past spring, 2005. The tree is about 5ft tall with good structure, putting around 5 years old. Simiar to some other varieties, I recognize it by its slightly rounder leaf and red petioles, but it can be had to distinguish in photos from others like Kagiri nishiki, Butterfuly, Roseomarginatum, etc.
This plant grew on me. I bought a pair from Forest Farm. When i received i was surprised by the size. I kept them in a container. This is my 3rd year growing them. Matsugae has nice bark, an elegant shape and the blue green leaves with creamy margins are understated and distinctive. It's a choice, easy to grow cultivar. The plant pictured is in near full sun in Z7. Check out the trunk caliper (nickel for scale)! Both plants have easily doubled in size since received. No samaras so far. And one rogue reverted branch that i have not yet loped off. above photos 10/07
Third Edition, Japanese Maples, Vertrees, Gregory, Timber Press says "This cultivar is about halfway between 'Butterfly' and 'Kagiri nishiki'. The general appearance is similar to 'Kagiri nishiki', but close comparison of individual leaves shows minor differences. Also, there is a greater depth of color in 'Matsugae'*. It is a little more open and less twiggy than 'Butterfly'. 'Matsugae' grows up to 3-4 m tall. It is a hardy plant, can take full sun, and responds well to shaping. The name 'Matsugae' means "pine branch." This cultivar has also been known under the names 'Albo-marginatum', 'Argenteo-marginatum', and 'Fichtenast'."
My Matsugae is about 8' tall, a dignified V-shaped tree, and I agree totally with RonB's comments, especially about the depth of color. The green is a deep hunter green with just a hint of blue/grey to it in the right circumstances, even though that trait doesn't show well in the accompanying photo. Very nice color and a handsome tree. This photo was taken July 11, 2007.
The pair I'm growing were treated to an intensive root pruning a few weeks back. Removed about 30% and returned to same container. Since these plants have been so robust I'm optimistic that the set back will be minimal. Will post pics as soon as they leaf out. Update,May 10, 08: Sturdiest plants! Leafed out nicely, no die back. Most robust container maple I grow.
It looks like a nice cultivar, but I don't have it yet. I do have 'Tennyo no hoshi', which looks similar and which I like a lot.
K4, The blue-green leaf color is alluring when you see the plant in person. 'Kara ori nishiki' is also similar but different in form. vigor and lacks the blueish-ness in my experience. Also 'Matsugae' is charming in autumn but doesn't rise to the spectacular for me. I dont't grow 'Tennyo no hoshi'.
Spring colour is good, also like the blueish green base tone of the leaf and also leaves are often rather on a flat plane. A few days later:
Yes, the base colour is similar but I think the variegation is a little bit less showy. (I don't have one for comparison but have seen plenty of Beni schichihenge in the past). It is also similar to Kagiri nishiki and some maple books report it is a sport of that variety. I am not a big fan of the "in your face" variegated types and much prefer the ones that are more restrained and Matsugae manages to be subtle enough that I always enjoy seeing it.
