golden full moon maple
© Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks
© Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks
Golden full moon maple is a choice and sought after small tree which is perfect for the smaller garden. In spring the buds open to reveal intensely bright lemon yellow foliage, dazzling during the often gray days of spring. As the leaves mature they will soften to chartreuse in early summer. Bright red samaras (helicopter-like seeds) are prominently nestled in the foliage and will remain colorful well into summer. In autumn, the tree is dotted in tones of orange and red. The slow growth and unique framework of the golden full moon maple makes this an excellent choice for containers.
Plant Type: tree
Growth Habit: round
Foliage Type: deciduous
Plant Height (10-year): 8 ft. 0 in. (2.44 meters)
Plant Width/Spread (10-year): 7 ft. 0 in. (2.13 meters)
Plant Height-Mature: 15 ft. 0 in. (4.57 meters)
Plant Width-Mature: 18 ft. 0 in. (5.49 meters)
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5 to 8
Flowering Time: spring
Sun/Light Exposure: light shade to open shade
Water Requirements: regular watering
Seasonal Interest: spring and autumn foliage color
Great Plant Combinations:
Great Color Contrasts: bronze, purple
Great Color Partners: green, yellow, chartreuse
Plant Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' in partial shade, out of hot afternoon sun to prevent burning on the foliage. Golden full moon maple will develop its best color in light to open shade. It will grow best in rich well drained soil with regular summer watering. Very little pruning is need to maintain a beautiful specimen; only remove poorly developed branches, dead wood or broken limbs.
Text and photos ©2020 Great Plant Picks/Elisabeth Carey Miller Garden except where otherwise noted
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation, The Seattle Times, and Individual Donors
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden