Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'

Autumn Moon Full Moon Maple

Acer shirasawanum ‘Autumn Moon’ is a highly ornamental full moon maple cultivar prized for its large, rounded leaves, soft spring coloration, and brilliant fall display. It is especially valued as a refined specimen tree for protected garden settings.

Key Characteristics and Benefits


Fall Color & Foliage: Large, palmate leaves emerge peach, apricot, and soft orange in spring, mature to yellow-green in summer, and turn vibrant orange, red, and gold in fall.



Texture & Form: Broad, rounded leaves provide bold texture uncommon among maples.



Growth Habit: Upright to rounded, slow-growing, and naturally graceful.



Size: Typically reaches 12–15 ft tall with a 10–15 ft spread.



Care and Requirements


Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–8



Light: Partial shade preferred; protect from hot afternoon sun



Soil: Thrives in well-drained, moist, slightly acidic soil



Maintenance: Low once established



Limitations: Sensitive to heat, drought, and strong wind; best in sheltered locations



Summary:
‘Autumn Moon’ Full Moon Maple is an exceptional specimen tree for Japanese gardens, woodland edges, and shaded courtyards, offering multi-season color and bold foliage texture in a compact form.

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Japanese Maple

Height

12-15'

Width

10-12'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Flower color

Red

Fall color

Gold, Green, Red, Yellow Green

Soil

Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright, Wide Spreading

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No