Autumn Moon Japanese Maple

Light Needs

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 to 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.