Acer shirasawanum
Shirasawa's maple · Golden full-moon maple · Fullmoon maple · Full Moon Maple · Shirasawa Maple
Description
Source: leafsnapAcer shirasawanum, commonly known as Shirasawa's maple or full moon maple, is a deciduous tree native to Japan. This slow-growing tree can reach up to 20 feet in height and 15 feet in width. The leaves of the Acer shirasawanum are deeply lobed and uniquely shaped, resembling a full moon. During the summer, the leaves are typically green, but they transform into vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow in the autumn. Due to its stunning foliage and compact size, Acer shirasawanum is an excellent choice for landscaping. It thrives in partial shade or filtered sunlight but can also tolerate full sun if provided with adequate moisture. The plant requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Several cultivars of Acer shirasawanum are available, each offering different leaf colors. For instance, the 'Aureum' cultivar boasts golden-yellow leaves, while 'Autumn Moon' features orange-red foliage in the autumn. Overall, Acer shirasawanum adds beauty to any garden with its unique leaf shape and vibrant colors, making it an excellent choice for any landscape design project.
Care Guide
💧 Water Every 7 days
The Golden Full-Moon Maple thrives in woodland-like environments with moderate moisture levels and well-draining soil. Water the plant every 1 to 2 weeks, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Adjust the watering schedule based on seasonal rainfall, and provide extra water during the growing season when the plant's growth and transpiration rates increase.
☀️ Light Partial sun
Golden full-moon maple is native to habitats like forest understories or rocky sites, where it receives natural shade. It favors partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, highlighting its hardy, adaptable nature.
What are the sunlight requirements for a Golden full-moon maple (Acer shirasawanum)?
For optimal growth, the Golden full-moon maple (Acer shirasawanum) requires specific sunlight conditions. It thrives in 'full sun', which means the plant should receive more than 6 hours of sunlight daily. Alternatively, it can also grow well in 'partial sun', receiving about 3-6 hours of sunlight each day. It's important to monitor the sunlight patterns in your garden closely to find the ideal spots that offer a perfect balance of light and shade, ensuring your Golden full-moon maple's wellbeing.
🌡️ Temperature 5–32.2°C
Golden full-moon maple is highly adaptable to a variety of climate conditions, whether in scorching summers or cold winters. Still, it has an optimal temperature range for growth. If temperatures become excessively high, the plant is susceptible to heat and humidity stress, which can cause it to die. In areas where temperatures approach the lower limit of its cold tolerance, taking insulation measures to protect the plant is important.
What is the botanic name of the Golden full-moon maple?
The botanic name of the Golden full-moon maple is Acer shirasawanum. This specific type of maple is known for its unique features and is appreciated by gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
Timing matters when fertilizing the Golden full-moon maple. Begin fertilizing in early spring and continue once a month until early summer. Fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and supplies energy both during dormancy and periods of active growth.
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
The golden full-moon maple benefits from pruning in early spring to promote growth and shape. Use sharp, sterilized tools to cut away dead or crossing branches, which will improve air circulation. Avoid heavy pruning in the summer to prevent stress on the tree. For detailed pruning practices specific to the golden full-moon maple, consult expert guides.
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Acer
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 5-7
- Mature Height
- 7.92 m
- Mature Spread
- 7.92 m
- Leaf Color
- Yellow, Red, Green, Orange
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Green, Yellow
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 0.76 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Native Area
- Japan