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Golden Full Moon Maple

Name: Golden Full Moon Maple
Brand: Acer
Availability: InStock

Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum'

$43.50

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240 inches

Width

240 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers moderate to high

Lifespan

60+ years

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer shirasawanum, the full moon maple, is a species of maple native to Japan. It is a small, slow-growing deciduous tree or large shrub, admired for its rounded, multi-lobed leaves. 'Aureum' is a highly sought-after cultivar known for its breathtaking foliage. The leaves emerge a brilliant chartreuse-yellow in spring, hold their color through summer without burning in proper shade, and turn stunning shades of orange and red in fall.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

This is a premier specimen tree for connoisseurs, offering a three-season display of spectacular color. Its slow growth and elegant, architectural form make it a living sculpture, perfect as a focal point in Asian-style gardens, courtyards, and shaded borders.

Its small, manageable size makes it ideal for urban gardens and large containers. It can be used to bring a bright, luminous quality to dark corners of the landscape.

While not a major wildlife plant, its dense canopy can provide shelter for small birds. Its primary ecological contribution is through its role in a diverse, layered garden ecosystem.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Dancing Oaks

<1 Gal Pot

In Stock$43.50

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a sheltered site with dappled or afternoon shade.
Ensure the soil is moist, acidic, and well-drained.
Dig a hole that is wide but no deeper than the root ball.
Gently tease out any circling roots before planting.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Water deeply and apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch.

Pro Tip

Site this tree where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade to achieve the best leaf color without scorching.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent water, especially during heat waves.
Protect from strong winds and harsh afternoon sun.
Mulch annually to keep roots cool and moist.
Allow it to develop its natural, elegant form with minimal pruning.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or waterlogged soil.
Avoid planting in full, direct sun, which will scorch the delicate leaves.
Don't let the soil dry out completely.
Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can cause weak, leggy growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Exquisite specimen for shaded gardensLuminous accent in woodland settingsContainer centerpiece for patios

Companion Plants

Hosta 'Sum and Substance' Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' Rhododendron yakushimanum Ferns (Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum') Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Golden Full Moon Maple questions

What zones can Golden Full Moon Maple grow in?

Golden Full Moon 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 Golden Full Moon Maple deer resistant?

Yes — Golden Full Moon Maple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Golden Full Moon Maple bloom?

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

Does Golden Full Moon Maple need full sun?

Golden Full Moon Maple does best in part shade.