The Fernleaf Full Moon Maple, or Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium', is a graceful, slow-growing small tree prized for its extraordinary foliage. Its palmate, deeply divided leaves give a fern-like appearance throughout the growing season before transforming into a vivid ruby-crimson display in fall. This mounded, multi-stemmed tree reaches 8 to 10 feet tall and wide at maturity, making it an ideal fit for smaller landscapes and intimate garden spaces.
The Fernleaf Full Moon Maple is native to Japan and thrives in moderate to cool summer climates. Small reddish-maroon flowers appear on long stalks in spring before the leaves emerge, followed by winged samaras that ripen in late summer. It works beautifully as a specimen tree, an understory accent in a woodland garden, or a focal point near a patio or walkway. This tree is also deer and rabbit resistant.
Fernleaf Full Moon Maple Care
Plant your Fernleaf Full Moon Maple in full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, protect it from harsh afternoon sun, as the leaves can scorch. It grows best in average, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Water deeply and regularly during the first few growing seasons to establish a strong root system. Apply a balanced fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Use mulch around the base to keep roots cool and retain soil moisture.
After planting, stake young trees to encourage more upright growth. Pruning needs are minimal — simply remove any damaged or diseased branches as needed. If shaping is desired, prune during dormancy to minimize stress on the tree. This is a slow-growing tree, so patience is rewarded with a long-lived, low-maintenance landscape addition.
Fernleaf Full Moon Maple Spacing
Fernleaf Full Moon Maples are an excellent choice for small yards, patios, and garden beds where a compact, eye-catching tree is needed. Allow 6 to 12 feet of space around the tree for the canopy to develop fully. It can be planted beneath taller trees as an understory specimen. This tree performs best in USDA Zones 5 through 7 and may struggle in climates with hot summers.
Fernleaf Full Moon Maple Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 7 |
| Plant Type: Trees |
| Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 2-6 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 8 - 10 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 8 - 10 Feet |
| Spacing: 6 - 12 Feet |
| Habit: Mounding, Rounded |
| Flower Color(s): Red |
| Flower Description: Small reddish-maroon flowers on long stalks |
| Bloom Period: Spring |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: Deep green fern-like leaves turn crimson to orange-red in fall |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Fall Interest |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer, Rabbits |
| Tolerates: N/A |
| Attracts: N/A |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Specimen or Focal Point, Patio, Walkways |
| Features: Fall Color, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: Fernleaf Full Moon Maple |
| Other Name(s): Fernleaf Maple, Full Moon Maple |
| Scientific Name: Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' |
- SKU:
- 1231029546-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.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
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
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations