Acer shirasawanum Aureum Golden Full Moon Maple 金隐

Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum', commonly called the golden full moon maple, is a slow-growing deciduous tree with rounded yellow to yellow-green leaves. Its softly layered foliage brings light to a sheltered garden position, while autumn colour develops in orange and red tones. With an Australian planning size of approximately 3–4 m high and 2–3 m wide, it is suited to feature planting in a small garden, a shaded border or a woodland-style setting.

Key features

• Botanical name: Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum'
• Common name: golden full moon maple
• Plant type: slow-growing deciduous tree
• Mature height: approximately 3–4 m
• Mature width: approximately 2–3 m
• Foliage: yellow to yellow-green, turning orange and red in autumn
• Flowers: small reddish-purple flowers in spring
• Growth habit: upright to rounded
• Position: partial or dappled shade
• Soil: moist, moderately fertile and well-drained

Growing in Australia

Position Aureum in partial or dappled shade, protected from intense afternoon sun and drying wind. The foliage can be sensitive in exposed conditions, so a sheltered site with even soil moisture is important. Allow for a slow-growing tree approximately 3–4 m high and 2–3 m wide at maturity. It is deciduous and loses its leaves in winter before new growth emerges in spring. Performance and colour will vary with local climate, exposure, soil and seasonal weather.

Care tips

Water regularly during establishment and maintain even moisture through dry periods without leaving the soil waterlogged. Apply an organic mulch to protect the root zone, keeping it clear of the trunk. Feed lightly in spring if required. Japanese maples generally need little pruning; remove damaged or crossing branches while the tree is dormant and avoid heavy cutting. Give young foliage extra protection during hot, windy weather.

Best uses

• Feature tree
• Shaded or woodland-style garden
• Japanese-inspired garden
• Small garden planting

Purchase note

Available from Summer Garden. Product availability and plant size may vary by season.

FAQs

How large does Acer shirasawanum Aureum grow?

For Australian garden planning, allow approximately 3–4 m in height and 2–3 m in width.

What colour is the foliage?

The leaves are yellow to yellow-green through the growing season and develop orange and red autumn tones.

Where should golden full moon maple be planted?

Choose partial or dappled shade with moist, well-drained soil and protection from intense sun and drying wind.