Meigetsu Full Moon Japanese Maple

Meigetsu is a deciduous fullmoon maple valued for its large, rounded green leaves and autumn color that can include yellow, orange, and red. Its upright to spreading crown suits a sheltered focal spot in a courtyard, small lawn, or woodland-style planting; published size estimates vary, so leave room for a broad crown. ## Form and seasonal interest New leaves open bright green in spring and mature to deeper green. The rounded leaf blades are typically 7–11-lobed across the species, and red-purple flowers appear in hanging clusters just before the foliage; paired winged seeds follow. Fall foliage can shift through yellow, orange, and red, though color strength depends on climate and site. Nursery reports give around 10–12 feet tall by 4–6 feet wide at 10 years; one wholesale listing gives a mature range of 15–20 feet in both directions. Treat these as source-specific guides rather than a guaranteed size. ## Placement and growing conditions Use Meigetsu as a specimen where its seasonal foliage can be seen, or as an understory tree in a woodland-style garden. It grows in full sun or partial shade, but partial shade is a safer choice where summers are hot. Choose a sheltered position with moisture-retentive, well-drained soil; dry soil and strong exposure can scorch the leaves. A practical hardiness range for this record is USDA zones 5–7, consistent with extension and nursery references. ## Cultivar identity and sourcing ‘Meigetsu’ is translated as “moon” in nursery descriptions. The 2011 USDA Risk Management Agency plant list cross-references ‘Itaya’ to ‘Meigetsu’. I did not find a reliable source naming an original breeder or a cultivar-specific plant patent number. [Loen Nursery](https://www.loennursery.com/products/acr-jp-mgs) lists it for wholesale and [Mendocino Maples](https://mendocinomaples.com/products/acer-japonicum-meigetsu) offers cultivar-specific retail information; these are sellers, not documented originators. The [USPTO patent search](https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search/patent-public-search) is the official U.S. source for checking plant patent records. ## Sources - [Royal Horticultural Society: Acer japonicum](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/22273/acer-japonicum/details) - [North Carolina State Extension: Fullmoon maple](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/acer-japonicum/common-name/fullmoon-maple/) - [Oregon State University Landscape Plants: Acer japonicum](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/acer-japonicum) - [USDA Risk Management Agency 2011 plant list](https://legacy.rma.usda.gov/tools/eplpps/2011/cobk2011.pdf) - Cultivar size descriptions: [Maple Ridge Nursery](https://japanesemaplesandconifers.com/collections/trees-for-partial-sun/products/acer-japonicum-meigetsu) and [Loen Nursery](https://www.loennursery.com/products/acr-jp-mgs) ## Maintenance Keep the root zone evenly moist while the tree establishes and during extended dry spells, while allowing excess water to drain. Mulch over the root area to moderate soil temperature, keeping mulch clear of the trunk. Prune only when needed; the RHS recommends late autumn to midwinter for pruning Japanese maples. Stake a young tree only if a straighter leader is desired, since staking affects the developing form.