Autumn Moon Full Moon Japanese Maple

Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' is a deciduous full moon maple with warm, changing foliage: lime-green leaves edged in red-orange emerge in spring, orange tones dominate in summer, and leaves turn gold to red in fall. J.D. Vertrees selected this seedling at Maplewood Nursery in the 1970s, and it remains valued for its foliage rather than its inconspicuous flowers. ## Landscape Use Use it as a small ornamental tree in a city garden, mixed border or large container where its wide, fan-shaped leaves can be seen at close range. Foliage color shifts with exposure: more shade keeps green tones visible, while brighter light brings out red-orange coloring ([Singing Tree Gardens](https://singtree.com/products/acer-shirasawanum-autumn-moon)). ## Mature Size [Monrovia](https://www.monrovia.com/autumn-moon-fullmoon-maple.html) lists a slow-growing tree reaching 8–12 ft tall by 6–8 ft wide. Singing Tree Gardens gives a similar 10–12 ft height and describes the spread as somewhat wider, so allow room for a broad crown. ## Siting and Soil Full sun or partial shade suits this cultivar. Provide moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil and shelter from drying winds and harsh afternoon sun. Monrovia notes that bloom is inconspicuous and that the foliage is the main display. ## Maintenance Water deeply and regularly while the tree establishes, then reduce frequency as roots develop. Mulch to keep the root zone cool and avoid letting the soil become soggy; the cited cultivar profiles do not specify a recurring pruning schedule.