Oregon Fern Full Moon Japanese Maple

Oregon Fern Full Moon Japanese Maple (Acer japonicum 'Oregon Fern')

Oregon Fern Full Moon Japanese Maple (Acer japonicum 'Oregon Fern') is a finely cut, fernlike selection with deeply dissected green leaves that lend airy texture in spring and summer before turning brilliant yellow, orange, and red in fall; its broad, spreading habit and layered branching create elegant movement in woodland borders, rock gardens, and water side plantings.

Distinctive Features

'Oregon Fern' bears large, intricately divided leaves on arching branches that read soft and lacy from a distance yet richly detailed up close; japonicum heritage delivers excellent cold tolerance and a reliable multicolor fall display.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Morning sun to partial shade; provide afternoon protection in hot climates.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Keep evenly moist; avoid drought and waterlogged conditions.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 7.
• Mature Size: 8 to 12 ft tall, 8 to 12 ft wide, spreading canopy.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Lacy foliage and vivid fall color anchor shaded beds.
• Woodland Borders: Soft texture beneath taller trees and along paths.
• Rock Gardens: Drapes gracefully over stones and low walls.
• Water Features: Reflective form and color near ponds and streams.
• Mixed Borders: Contrasts beautifully with conifers and broadleaf evergreens.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep soak during dry spells to maintain consistent moisture.
• Pruning: Light structural thinning in late winter to preserve layered form; avoid heavy midsummer cuts.
• Fertilizing: Apply a light, balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring.
• Mulching: 2 to 3 inches over the root zone to conserve moisture and regulate temperature; keep mulch off the trunk.
• Notes: Shelter from drying wind to limit leaf scorch; generally pest and disease resistant in well drained soil.

Why Choose Oregon Fern Full Moon Japanese Maple?

• Fernlike Texture: Deeply cut leaves add fine, elegant detail.
• Exceptional Fall Color: Reliable yellow to orange to red finale.
• Cold Hardy: Japonicum vigor suits northern gardens.
• Architectural Branching: Layered canopy offers four season structure.
• Design Versatility: Effective in woodland, rockery, and water side settings.

For peak texture and color, provide morning sun with afternoon shade and steady, well drained soil moisture.