Maple (Miyabi)

Common Names

• Miyabe's Maple
• Miyabe Maple
• State Street® Maple (see #33)

Scientific Names

• Acer miyabei
• Sapindaceae family

History of
the Tree Species

• Native to Japan -- Hokkaidō and the Tōhoku region in northern Honshū
• Name derives from professor Kingo Miyabe, the botanist who first discovered the tree
• First grown in U.S. at Morton Arboretum (selected in 1929 for its tolerance of alkaline soils and general durability)
• An endangered species confined to locations near streams and rivers -- now most commonly found in arboreta
• Used for ornamental purposes
• Two varieties: Acer miyabei var. miyabei (downy samaras); Acer miyabei var. shibatai (Nakai) Hara (hairless samaras)

Scientific Facts

• Has an interesting, textured bark that's complimented by a unique leaf pattern
• Primarily used for shade and fall beauty
• No known edible or medicinal uses