Has she tried mail order? They are not exactly common around here because they are not in our zone and need creative over-wintering (like being moved into a greenhouse), so although you may find one, it will be pricey. Perhaps they are less expensive in places they can be grown more easily.

Helen.

I saw some at Terra Greenhouse in Lakeville this last weekend.

But, make sure you tell your friend that they are usually not hardy here. We're zone 4a and that's typically a zone 5 tree.

Suggest to her to try an elderberry, a staghorn or tiger eyes sumac.

I actually saw a few Japanese Maples at Menard's in Coon Rapids. I also saw a few at Fair's in Osseo. I am not sure of any warranty from Menard's, but Fair's said there is not a warranty included. I was listening to Gerten's Gardening hour on WCCO and they said that Japanese maples here need to be treated "almost like an annual." Alternatives I've heard of are a Korean maple, amur maple, black lace elderberry and tiger eye sumac.

The Black Lace elderberries I found were tagged to zone 5 only. Is anyone growing them successfully here? Molly

We planted one this spring. It has really taken off. Right now it is forming white/pink flowers. From what I've read, in zone 4 they can act more like a perennial, but grow back great. The "Proven Winners" website rates them to zone 4. I think I'll plant some more.

Here is a link that might be useful: black lace elderberry