Fullmoon maple - Acer shirasawanum

Acer shirasawanum, often called Full Moon Maple, is a small Japanese maple renowned for its delicate foliage and spectacular autumn colors.

Description

• Type: Small deciduous tree or large shrub.
• Mature height: Generally 3 to 8 meters (10 to 26 feet).
• Width: 3 to 6 meters (10 to 20 feet).
• Growth rate: Slow to moderate.
• Habit: Rounded, elegant, and often denser than many Japanese maples.

Foliage

Its main appeal lies in its almost circular leaves, composed of 9 to 13 shallow lobes, giving them a very soft appearance.

Depending on the cultivar:

• Young leaves can be golden yellow, tender green, or slightly orange;
• In summer, they generally turn green or golden;
• In autumn, they take on vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red, and sometimes purple.

The best-known cultivar is Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum', valued for its bright golden-yellow foliage.

Flowering and fruit

• Small reddish-purple flowers in spring.
• Winged fruits (samaras) red to brownish in summer.

Growing conditions

• Exposure: Partial shade or morning sun.
• Soil: Rich, cool, well-drained, and slightly acidic.
• Humidity: Prefers regular humidity without excessive water.
• Protection: Appreciates a location sheltered from strong winds and scorching afternoon sun.

Hardiness

• Generally hardy in zone 5.
• Many gardeners successfully grow it in southern Quebec when planted in a sheltered location.
• It is often considered a little more cold-tolerant than some classic Japanese maple cultivars derived from Acer palmatum.

Garden use

• Specimen tree in a small garden.
• Japanese garden.
• Woodland border.
• Container planting (especially more compact cultivars).