Sango Kaku’ means “coral tower” or “tower of sea coral,” a reference to the unusual pink hue of this maple’s bark. That color is most vivid in winter, but the cultivar has plenty more tints to flaunt during other seasons.

In spring, its emerging palmate and serrated yellow-green leaves often are outlined with red, to coordinate with the hue of its flower clusters . The foliage gradually transitions to light green over summer, but flames into red-tinged yellow-gold in autumn, accented by red samaras.

Fortunately, the tree doesn’t actually tower, growing instead into a vase shape about 25 feet tall and 20 feet wide in zones 5-8. That makes it fit easily into most landscapes where its kaleidoscope of changing colors should keep you tickled pink!  

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