Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’ (Golden Full Moon Maple)

Highly prized, award-winning Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’ (Golden Full Moon Maple) is a bushy, medium-sized deciduous shrub or small tree noted for its spectacular foliage. Emerging intensely bright yellow in spring, the rounded, palmate leaves, adorned with 7-9 sharply pointed lobes, gradually turn pale chartreuse as the season progresses. In fall, they turn magnificent shades of orange, and red, occasionally blended with purple tones. Small crimson flowers, borne in upright clusters, appear in spring and give way to bright red samaras which contrast nicely with the foliage, adding ornamental interest to the display. Slow-growing, this popular maple cultivar is perfect for small gardens or containers where its attractive branching framework can be admired. Regarded as one of the best yellow-leaved Japanese maples.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
• Grows up to 15-20 ft. tall and wide (450-600 cm) at maturity.
• A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Best leaf color in partial shade. Although full sun is tolerated, leaves may scorch in full sun in hot climates.
• Perfect as a specimen plant in cottage gardens, and city gardens.
• Low maintenance, this plant needs little pruning. If pruning is necessary, prune during the dormant season and avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running. Fertilize in spring before the leaves emerge.
• May be affected by horse chestnut scale, aphids, and verticillium wilt.
• Propagate by grafting.
• Acer shirasawanum is native to Japan.