Jordan Golden Full Moon Maple

Jordan Golden Full Moon Maple (Acer shirasawanum 'Jordan')

Jordan Golden Full Moon Maple (Acer shirasawanum 'Jordan') is a compact ornamental maple prized for its rounded full moon leaves and warm golden foliage that brings a calm, refined glow to the landscape. In spring, new growth often emerges with soft orange tones before settling into bright chartreuse to golden yellow through the growing season, especially in light shade. The canopy forms a layered, mounded silhouette that feels designed and high-end, making it a natural fit near patios, entryways, and smaller garden beds. As temperatures cool, the foliage can shift into richer orange and red tones, giving the tree a strong autumn finish. If you want a small focal point tree that brightens shaded spaces without overwhelming the design, Jordan Golden Full Moon Maple is an excellent choice.

Distinctive Features

The signature trait is the combination of rounded leaf shape and warm color, which creates a soft, luminous canopy that contrasts beautifully with dark evergreens and deep green shrubs. Leaves are larger and fuller than many Japanese maples, giving the tree a lush texture and a more substantial presence in small spaces. Branching is typically layered and graceful, adding structure and a sculptural silhouette when the tree is 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 8 to 12 feet tall and 10 to 14 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 warm 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 Jordan Golden Full Moon Maple?

• Warm Golden Foliage: Brightens shaded spaces with chartreuse to golden tones through the growing season.
• 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 richer 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 warm golden color that elevates shaded garden spaces, Jordan Golden Full Moon Maple delivers refined texture and focal point presence in a landscape-friendly form.