- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 10 - 12 Feet
- Mature Spread 10 - 12 Feet
- Growing Zones 5 - 8
The Autumn Moon Japanese Maple is a fast-growing, compact tree that displays colorful foliage throughout the year. The Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' has broad, deeply lobed palmate leaves. When the leaves first emerge in the spring, they are yellow with hints of orange and complement the tiny pink and cream flower clusters. The flowers later turn into samaras, or seed pods, also known as spinners. By fall, the leaves turn a deeply saturated hue of red and orange.
The Autumn Moon Japanese Maple makes an excellent addition to a cottage garden, or use this beauty as a specimen planting. This tree stays compact and fits a small yard or an area with limited space. The Autumn Moon Japanese Maple is easy to maintain and does not require much attention.
Autumn Moon Japanese Maple Care
The Autumn Moon Japanese Maple will eventually reach about 12 feet tall and wide, so plant it in an open spot away from power lines and far enough away from buildings. This tree can live in fun sun to partial shade. Plants grown in increased sunlight levels will have more intense variegation. Select a site with moist and rich soil and allow excess water to drain. New plants need consistent water, but rainwater can sustain established plants.
This tree does not need much pruning, as it tends to have an excellent natural shape. Remove dead and damaged growth as required, and if you need to shape Autumn Moon, do so when the tree is dormant. Avoid trimming this Japanese Maple when the sap is flowing in the spring. Fertilize the tree in the spring before the leaves emerge, using a balanced fertilizer.
Autumn Moon Japanese Maple Spacing
The Autumn Moon Japanese Maple is a compact tree that grows about 8 to 10 feet tall and wide. Space this tree approximately 6 to 8 feet away from buildings, sheds, and other structures so the canopy can spread.
Autumn Moon Japanese Maple Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
Plant Type: Trees |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 10 - 12 Feet |
Mature Spread: 10 - 12 Feet |
Spacing: 10 - 12 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Orange, Red |
Foliage Description: Multi-Color |
Seasonal Interest: Fall Interest |
Watering: Average |
Resists: N/A |
Tolerates: Heat |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Edging, Hedges & Privacy, Specimen or Focal Point |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Autumn Moon Japanese Maple |
Other Name(s): Autumn Moon |
Scientific Name: Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' |
- SKU:
- 1231003644-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

#5 Pot
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

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Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.