Linearilobum Group.
Like many Japanese Maples
while doing research on this cultivar, one may become very confused. Some write
that 'Koto no ito' has rather wide lobes for a linearilobum, others write
that it may have some of the most narrow lobes of all the linearilobum varieties.
The clone most often seen in North America and
apparently the one described in Maples for Gardens seems to fit the
latter description. 'Koto no ito' may have late season growth that is a
little wide like most maples in this group, but more typical growth should
appear on this wood the following season. However references have been noted
that state if more typical leaves do not appear on these branches the following
year they should be removed. This would mean that at least some growers have
experienced reversions on this cultivar. This could be the answer to the
confusion. The wider lobed plants may be plants grafted from
reversions in winter when it would be impossible to tell. Summer grafting
solves this potential problem. It's vary narrow strap like leaves seem
to have inspired Koichiro Wada of Japan to name it 'Koto no ito'
which means harp strings. This name would not be befitting a plant with wide
lobes. It has also been described as the dancing monkey tree for the way the extremely
narrow lobes dance in the wind. The habit of 'Koto no ito' is upright and very
nice. Fall color ranges from yellow to orange.
