Autumn Moon Full Moon Maple
Best ornamental tree for vibrant garden focal points.
This ornamental tree is celebrated for its striking, rounded leaves and captivating color that evolves throughout the seasons. Its foliage displays soft golden to chartreuse hues with orange undertones in spring and summer, creating a luminous canopy. As autumn arrives, the leaves transform into rich oranges and reds, offering a vibrant fall display without demanding extensive space. This maple's layered branching and glowing foliage make it an ideal focal point for entry gardens, patios, and smaller landscapes seeking a sophisticated, design-forward aesthetic. It thrives in part shade, preferring morning sun and afternoon shade to maintain its best leaf color and prevent scorching.
$169.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
376
/ 1822
#376 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
+51%
Above average
Species
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'
/ Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'
Who it's for
- Gardeners desiring vibrant, multi-season interest in their landscape.
- Homeowners with limited garden area or those favoring container specimens.
- Enthusiasts in cooler regions or those with sunnier garden locations.
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners or those expecting rapid landscape development.
- Beginners or those with challenging soil conditions like heavy clay.
- Gardeners in hot climates without reliable afternoon shade.
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Luminous foliage provides a dramatic, shifting color palette throughout the year.
Space Efficiency
Compact stature makes it perfect for patios and smaller garden footprints.
Maintenance Ease
Requires specific light conditions to prevent leaf scorch during summer months.
Design Versatility
Layered branching structure integrates seamlessly into both modern and traditional landscapes.
Growth Predictability
Slow to moderate growth rate ensures the tree stays within manageable bounds.
Container Suitability
Well-suited for pots, provided consistent moisture and drainage are maintained.
Key Specs
Species
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'
Mature Height
8 to 12 feet
Mature Spread
10 to 14 feet
USDA Hardiness Zones
5-7
Light Requirement
Part shade
Water Requirement
Moderate
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Growth Rate
Slow to Moderate
Know before you buy
At maturity, this tree typically reaches 8 to 12 feet in height with a spread of 10 to 14 feet. Because of its mounded, layered habit, ensure you have enough width in your planting site to allow its branches to spread naturally without crowding.
Yes, the Autumn Moon is container-friendly. Its slow to moderate growth rate makes it an excellent choice for large pots, provided you use high-quality, well-draining potting mix and ensure the container has adequate drainage holes.
This maple performs best in part shade. Ideally, place it where it will receive gentle morning sun and protection from the harsh afternoon heat, which can cause the delicate foliage to burn.
The Autumn Moon Fullmoon Maple is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 7. If you live outside these zones, it may struggle with extreme heat or prolonged deep freezes.
It requires moderate, consistent moisture. Keep the soil evenly moist but well-drained, especially during the first few years of establishment or during particularly dry summer spells.
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$170