Acer Shirasawanum Autumn Moon Maple

Acer Shirasawanum Autumn Moon or Autumn Moon Maple
Acer Shirasawanum Autumn Moon is also known as the Autumn Moon Maple. It is a Shirasawa maple variety. It differs from the Acer Palmatum varieties in the texture of its foliage. It features finely textured palmately-lobed leaves. An interesting feature of Acer Autumn Moon is that the foliage colour changes depending on whether tree is planted in full sun or deep shade. Its foliage appears a striking fiery orange when planted in full sun. However, if the tree is planted in a shady location the foliage colours are a mixture of creamy yellows and greens. During the summer months, the Maple Autumn Moon tree produces inconspicuous flowers. Discrete winged seedpods follow flowering and appear during the late summer or early autumn. 

Acer Shirasawanum Autumn Moon grows to a maximum height of 6 metres. It has a vigorous upright growth habit although it is a slow growing tree. It frequently takes from 20 to 50 years before this tree reaches its full growth potential. For optimum growth, plant the Autumn Moon Maple tree in an area with acidic to neutral soil that is high in organic material. Choose a planting site that provides partial shade to full sun for the best foliage colours. Once planted, keep the soil moist but not overly wet to encourage a diverse root system. Acers are moderately drought tolerant once established, but prefer evenly moist well-draining soil. 

The Autumn Moon Maple originated in the Maplewood Nursery in the USA in 1978. Its origins can be traced back to the Shirasawa maple which is a native deciduous tree of Japan. It is also closely related to the Acer Palmatum Japonicum (Japanese Maple) varieties. With its unusual foliage colouration, Acer Shirasawanum Autumn Moon has lots of potential to become a focal point of any landscape. 

If you are seeking a small tree with unusual foliage that requires virtually no care to thrive then you will not be disappointed with the Autumn Moon Maple. Once planted in the garden, the tree will usually thrive on neglect. Plant it in any area of the garden that you want to boast an unusual colour scheme. It makes an ideal small lawn tree, understory tree, or when grown in a mixed border. Maple Autumn Moon trees are also perfect for a woodland garden because they are deer resistant.