Unique Features: The Rugged Ridge maple is a cultivar of the Miyabe maple, native to Japan. It grows rapidly, 2’+ per year, into a broadly oval-shaped, medium sized tree. It is known for its adaptability and durability.  The crisp dark green leaves have 5 lobes with more rounded points, and turn a vibrant yellow in the fall.  ‘Rugged’ refers to the bark because of its very thick, corky and ridged growth pattern that is apparent on both the trunk and branches at a relatively young age.  The appearance of the bark is similar to that of a Bur oak. The Rugged Ridge also has good branch angles to better handle the stresses of wind and snow load. The Rugged Ridge is quite tolerant of high pH soils, making it less prone to iron deficiency, or chlorosis. Since the ridged bark is quicker to thicken, it will not have to be winter wrapped for as long as most other maples.