Golden Full Moon Maple

Golden Full Moon Maple (Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum')

Golden Full Moon Maple (Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum') is a compact ornamental maple prized for its rounded, fan-like leaves and luminous golden foliage that brightens shaded gardens and refined landscape spaces. The canopy has a soft, layered look that feels calm and intentional, with color that can range from chartreuse to rich gold depending on light and temperature. In spring and early summer, the leaves often appear especially vibrant, creating a glowing effect that makes nearby greens look deeper and more polished. As the season cools, the foliage can shift into warm oranges and reds, giving the tree a strong autumn finish in a compact, landscape-friendly form. If you want a small tree that reads as high-end and becomes a natural focal point, Golden Full Moon Maple is an excellent choice.

Distinctive Features

The signature trait is the leaf shape and color, with rounded, deeply lobed leaves that create a full, textured canopy and a softer look than many Japanese maples. Golden foliage brings long-lasting contrast, especially when set against evergreens, dark fences, or shaded garden backdrops. The branching is typically layered and graceful, giving the tree a sculptural silhouette that still looks attractive when bare. It performs best with protection from harsh afternoon sun and drying winds, which helps the foliage stay clean and reduces scorch in hotter sites.

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 10 to 15 feet tall and 10 to 15 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 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 Golden Full Moon Maple?

• Luminous Golden Foliage: Brightens shaded spaces and adds long-lasting contrast through the growing season.
• Bold Leaf Texture: Rounded full moon leaves create a lush, substantial canopy on a compact tree.
• Perfect Small-Scale Focal Point: Adds a high-end ornamental look without requiring a large space.
• Refined Form: Layered branching and a mounded habit bring structure and garden style.
• Easy to Design With: Pairs beautifully with evergreens, shade perennials, and stone or wood hardscape.

If you want a compact ornamental maple that brings glowing golden foliage and refined structure to shaded garden spaces, Golden Full Moon Maple delivers standout seasonal interest and focal point presence in a landscape-friendly form.