Autumn Moon Japanese Maple

Botanical Name: Acer shirasawanum ‘Autumn Moon’

Common Name: Autumn Moon Japanese Maple

Mature Height and Width: 8–10' tall × 8–10' wide

Growth Habit: Upright, rounded to broadly vase-shaped form; moderately dense branching with a balanced canopy. Slower growing than Acer palmatum cultivars.

Foliage Description: Large, rounded palmate leaves with 9–11 lobes. Emerges vibrant orange-yellow to chartreuse with pinkish-red margins in spring. Summer foliage matures to soft golden-yellow with orange overlay and subtle green undertones in shade. Color intensity increases with filtered light.

Flower Description: Small purplish-red flowers in spring; followed by ornamental red samaras that may add subtle seasonal interest.

Bloom Time: Mid-spring

Fall Color: Brilliant orange to fiery red

Light Requirements: Partial shade to filtered sun; prefers protection from hot afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.

Hardiness Zone: USDA Zones 5–7

Notable Landscape Uses:
Specimen tree for woodland gardens; focal point in protected foundation beds; understory accent beneath taller shade trees; courtyard planting; high-end residential landscapes where foliage color contrast is desired.

Deer Resistance: Moderate
While not a preferred browse plant, deer will feed on tender foliage and new growth, especially in spring or during food scarcity. Young plants require protection in high-pressure areas.