Plant Library

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.

Minimum zone

5

Maximum zone

9

Height

12-15'

Width

10-12'