Moonrise Full Moon Maple

Moonrise Full Moon Maple (Acer shirasawanum 'Moonrise')

Moonrise Full Moon Maple (Acer shirasawanum 'Moonrise') is a compact ornamental maple prized for its rounded, full moon leaves and bright golden foliage that holds well through summer. New growth often emerges with warm orange tones, then settles into chartreuse to rich gold, creating a glowing canopy that brightens shaded gardens and refined landscape spaces. The tree forms a layered, mounded silhouette that feels calm and intentional, making it a natural fit near patios, entryways, and smaller garden beds. As temperatures cool, the foliage can shift into warmer orange and red tones, giving the tree a strong autumn finish. If you want a small focal point tree that delivers season-long color without overwhelming the landscape, Moonrise Full Moon Maple is an excellent choice.

Distinctive Features

The standout trait is the luminous foliage, with rounded leaves that create a fuller, softer texture than most Japanese maples with narrow or finely cut foliage. Color tends to stay bright through the season, especially with morning sun and afternoon shade, which helps keep leaves clean and reduces scorch in hotter sites. Branching is typically layered and graceful, adding structure and a sculptural silhouette when the tree is bare. This is an ideal choice when you want a golden-leaf tree that looks refined and designed, not flashy, and still provides strong seasonal change in fall.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Part shade is ideal; morning sun with afternoon shade helps maintain best color and prevent leaf scorch.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil; slightly acidic to neutral is ideal.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment and water during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 7.
• Habit: Deciduous small tree with a rounded, mounded form and layered branching.
• Mature Size: About 8 to 10 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a specimen where golden foliage can brighten the garden and draw the eye.
• Woodland Edge and Shade Gardens: Add glowing color along lightly shaded edges and under open canopies.
• Entry and Courtyard Planting: Bring a refined, design-forward look near doors, walkways, and patios.
• Container Feature: Use in a large container to add structure and seasonal color to outdoor living spaces.
• Evergreen Contrast Planting: Pair with dark conifers or hedges to make the foliage look even more luminous.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during the first one to two seasons; maintain even moisture in summer for best foliage quality.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 to 3 inch mulch layer over the root zone to conserve moisture and protect roots, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter to remove crossing branches and refine structure; avoid heavy pruning.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in spring if growth is slow; avoid overfertilizing, which can push soft growth.
• Site Selection: Protect from harsh afternoon sun and strong wind to reduce leaf scorch and keep the canopy looking clean.

Why Choose Moonrise Full Moon Maple?

• Bright Golden Foliage: Holds luminous chartreuse to gold color through summer for season-long impact.
• Rounded Full Moon Leaves: Lush leaf texture creates a refined canopy with a soft, layered look.
• Perfect Small-Scale Focal Point: Adds a high-end ornamental tree look without requiring a large space.
• Strong Seasonal Finish: Can shift into warmer orange and red tones for autumn interest.
• Easy to Design With: Pairs beautifully with evergreens, shade perennials, and clean hardscape lines.

If you want a compact ornamental maple with rounded leaves and bright golden color that elevates shaded garden spaces, Moonrise Full Moon Maple delivers refined texture and focal point presence in a landscape-friendly form.