Full Moon Japanese Maple Tree

Fullmoon maple (*Acer japonicum*) is a slow-growing, deciduous small tree with a rounded, often multi-stemmed outline and broad, hand-shaped leaves. Its purplish-red flowers open before the leaves, and the green canopy usually turns yellow or red in fall, making this a strong focal tree for a sheltered, cool-summer garden. ## Landscape use Plan for approximately **15–30 feet tall and wide**; this is a small tree, but not a permanent miniature. Its layered outline suits a specimen planting near a patio, along a woodland edge, or in a small group beneath taller trees. The species can also be grown in a large container or trained as bonsai, though container plants need consistent watering and room for roots. ## Appearance and seasons The rounded leaves have seven to eleven pointed lobes and a soft green summer color. Small red-purple flower clusters appear in early spring, often before the foliage, and are followed by winged samaras. Autumn color is usually yellow or red and can vary with the plant and growing conditions. Smooth gray bark and branching structure remain visible after leaf fall, but this maple is valued mainly for its foliage rather than winter display. ## Growing conditions Fullmoon maple is native to mountainous parts of East Asia. It grows best where summers are cool, in moist but well-drained soil with some organic matter. Light or dappled shade helps protect leaves from scorch in hot, exposed sites; full sun is more suitable in cooler climates. Choose a sheltered location away from strong winds and prolonged heat. Extension references differ slightly on hardiness, so the catalog’s conservative USDA Zones 5–7 range is a practical guide; local exposure matters. The species tolerates a range of soil textures, but does not have documented coastal salt tolerance. ## Identity and sources This entry is for the species, not a particular named cultivar. “Fullmoon” is a common name; named selections such as ‘Aconitifolium’ and ‘Green Cascade’ differ in size, leaf form, and color. No breeder, brand, or patent identifier is specified for this species-level listing. - [North Carolina Extension: Fullmoon Maple](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/acer-japonicum/common-name/fullmoon-maple/) - [University of Florida IFAS Extension: *Acer japonicum*](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP008) - [University of Connecticut Plant Database: *Acer japonicum*](https://plantdatabase.uconn.edu/detail.php?pid=16) ## Maintenance Keep the root zone evenly moist while the tree establishes and water during extended dry periods; do not leave it in waterlogged soil. A mulch layer helps conserve moisture where summers are hot, but keep mulch away from the trunk. Stake a young tree only if needed for support or a more upright form, and remove dead or damaged branches. North Carolina Extension reports no serious pest problems, though verticillium wilt is a possible disease concern.