1 named cultivar

‘Aconitifolium’Fernleaf Full Moon Maple

tree

Downy Japanese Maple

Acer japonicum

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer japonicum, fullmoon maple, is a slow-growing small tree or large shrub from the mountains of Japan and Korea, fifteen to thirty feet in both directions. Its leaves are the distinguishing feature: rounded and palmate with many shallow lobes, giving an almost fern-like disc, in contrast to the deeply cut leaves of Japanese maple.

It is often confused with Acer palmatum but is a different plant — rounder leaves, a broader habit, and noticeably better tolerance of cold and of sun. Autumn colour is among the most intense of any maple, running through orange to deep crimson. Like all Japanese maples it scorches in hot dry wind, so shelter matters more than shade.

Uses & Benefits:

Rounded fern-like leaves and autumn colour among the most intense of any maple.

Hardier and more sun-tolerant than Japanese maple, and small enough for a modest garden.

Supports imperial moth larvae and provides light shade for underplanting.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

270 inches

Width

270 inches

Light

Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Japan and Korea

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in partial shade or morning sun.
Shelter it from hot, dry wind, which scorches leaves.
Give it moist, humus-rich, freely draining soil.
Mulch to keep the shallow roots cool.
Water through dry spells, especially when young.
Prune only in summer, and only lightly.

Pro Tip

Leaf scorch is wind rather than sun — a sheltered spot in morning light beats a dark corner with a draught through it.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Shelter it from drying wind 🌬️
Mulch over the shallow roots 🍂
Water it through dry spells 💧
Prune lightly in summer only ✂️

Don't

Plant it in an exposed windy site ❌
Prune it in spring — maples bleed ❌
Let it dry out while establishing ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Enjoy
Mulch

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen tree in a small gardenJapanese and woodland-style plantingAutumn colour focal point

Companion Plants

Azalea HostaJapanese Forest Grass Hakone Grass Autumn Fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Downy Japanese Maple questions

What zones can Downy Japanese Maple grow in?

Downy Japanese Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 5–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Downy Japanese Maple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Downy Japanese Maple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Downy Japanese Maple bloom?

Downy Japanese Maple typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Downy Japanese Maple need full sun?

Downy Japanese Maple does best in part shade.