Acer palmatum 'First Ghost'

Like a shimmering ethereal ghost, the 7-9, deeply-lobed leaves of this 9-12' upright small tree are an eye-catching pale white with green veins in spring. Perfect for moonlight gardens! This unusual beauty is enchanting in container, as bonsai, or accent. S-PSh/M

First Ghost is the initial cultivar in the ‘Ghost Series’ developed by Talon Buchholz of Buchholz and Buchholz Nursery in Gaston, Oregon. The first photo shows the unusual leaf structure – reticulated with red edges. All of maples in the Ghost series have reticulated leaves – the visibility of the veins in the leaves which can be said to be the skeleton-like structure of the maple – hence a ‘ghostly’ one. The red slowly fades and in the shade the leaves remain mostly white with dark green veins. First Ghost prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. A relatively slow growing maple – First Ghost may reach 5′ in 10 years with an overall height of 6′-7′. The whitish green leaves provide a focal point in a shady garden. First Ghost also makes a wonderful container plant for a covered deck or patio. Once established hardy to USDA zone 6.

'First Ghost', one in the Ghost Series by Talon Buchholz in Oregon, is a distinctive variegate. Its palmate leaves are creamy white with dark green veining. Young leaves have the added bonus of pink around the margins. This cultivar was founded on a branch mutation of Beni shigitatsu sawa, giving this tree a multitude of colors. 'First Ghost' needs protection from hot sun. It can reach a height of 5 feet in ten years.

This is a wonderful new variety with ghostly looking leaves. Leaves are a pale white with contrasting dark green veins. New spring leaves are tinged with pink. Fall colors are orange to gold.

Leaves green with irregular cream-white with green veining. Edges are bright pink-red.

matsumure, variegated. This is a sport of 'Beni shigitatsu sawa' with the same deeply cut leaf lobes and the wavy margins. Pale cream ground with dark green veins and pink tinged edges give the foliage a truly ghostly appearance. Give a shady location.

'First Ghost' from plantsman Talon Buchholz has mid ribs on leaves that darken to deep green at the margins. Attractive small tree.