Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo' means 'floating clouds', and this certainly fits this tree, as if planted against a dark background, it floats. The leaves remind me of the cultivar 'Butterfly' but with more variegation. In spring there is white, pink and green on the plant. This tree is not as vigorous as the green varieties due to the lack of chorophyll, but any lack of vigor is sometimes valued by some that want a smaller tree. Also, some shade is preferred by this tree to prevent burning, especially in the hotter climates. Our trees are 5 ft tall but do not yet have the white leaves. This will happen as they get some age to them. Common for this tree to take time to become white. Also, the leaves are less fragile for shipping when green.
