Golden full moon maple (Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’)

Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' is commonly called the golden full moon maple. It is a slow-growing, deciduous maple valued for rounded golden foliage and fall color.

Give Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' full sun to partial shade, with protection from intense afternoon sun where summers are hot. Morning sun and filtered afternoon light are often the safest placement.

Water Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' deeply whenever the soil surface begins to dry, keeping moisture even but never leaving the roots waterlogged. Newly planted trees may need more frequent watering during hot or dry weather.

Yes, Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' is generally slow-growing. Its mature size varies by climate and growing conditions, but it is typically used as a small specimen tree, shrub, or patio plant.

Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' is generally suitable for USDA Zones 5 through 8, although winter protection may be needed in exposed sites or at the colder edge of its range. Container plants need extra root protection.

Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' can grow in full sun when gradually acclimated and adequately watered, but its delicate golden leaves may scorch. Partial shade or afternoon protection is safer in hot, windy, or reflected-heat locations.

Plant it in a sheltered location with morning sun, afternoon shade, good air circulation, and protection from drying winds. Avoid hot pavement, south- or west-facing walls, and exposed sites that intensify heat or wind.

Yes, Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' can grow in a container if the pot has excellent drainage and enough volume for its roots. Container plants dry and freeze faster than in-ground trees, so they require closer watering and winter protection.

Yes, its slow growth and modest ornamental form make Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' suitable for many small yards, courtyards, and woodland-style gardens. Allow enough room for its eventual canopy rather than planting it directly beside structures.

Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' prefers moist but well-drained loam or sandy loam enriched with organic matter. Improved clay can also work if drainage is corrected before planting.

Brown or crispy leaf edges are most often caused by sun scorch, drying winds, heat, or inconsistent moisture. Move container plants from harsh afternoon exposure and keep the root zone evenly moist without overwatering.

Prevent leaf scorch by providing morning sun or filtered light, protecting the tree from hot wind, and maintaining even soil moisture. Mulch the root zone, but keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk.

Branch dieback can follow winter injury, transplant stress, drought, root problems, or disease. Scratch a small section of bark to check for living green tissue, then prune dead wood back to healthy wood with clean tools.

Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' usually needs little fertilizer when planted in healthy soil. If growth is weak and a soil test shows a deficiency, apply a light, balanced fertilizer in early spring and avoid heavy nitrogen applications.

Possible problems include aphids, caterpillars, gall mites, scale, leaf scorch, Verticillium wilt, and other root or vascular disorders. Good drainage, appropriate watering, and avoiding trunk or root injury reduce many problems.

Plant Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' in spring after the ground is workable or in early fall while soil remains warm. Avoid planting during extreme summer heat or immediately before hard winter conditions.

Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper than the root flare, then backfill with the native soil. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the root zone evenly moist while the tree establishes.

A young Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' can usually be transplanted successfully if moved during dormancy and dug with as much of the root system as possible. Water consistently afterward and protect it from drying wind and strong sun.

Overwinter a potted Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' in a sheltered, unheated location or protect the container with insulation while keeping the plant dormant and the soil slightly moist. Do not keep it in a warm indoor room.

Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' is normally propagated by grafting because seed does not reliably reproduce the cultivar. Grafting onto compatible, vigorous maple rootstock is the standard nursery method.

You can grow maple seedlings from seed, but they will not reliably be true to Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum'. The distinctive golden foliage and growth habit are maintained through vegetative propagation, especially grafting.

Prune Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' lightly during dormancy or after the main spring sap flow has eased, depending on the type of correction needed. Remove dead, damaged, crossing, or poorly placed branches rather than shearing the canopy.

A golden full moon maple usually needs only light structural pruning. Its natural branching habit is part of its ornamental value, so avoid removing large amounts of live growth or repeatedly shortening branches.

No specific toxicity is documented for Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum', but it should not be eaten. Keep fallen leaves, seeds, and plant material away from children and pets because any plant material can cause digestive upset if consumed.

No, the seeds should not be eaten. Although this maple is not specifically documented as poisonous, ornamental maple seeds are not considered food and may cause digestive problems if ingested.

Yes, Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring. The foliage, branching structure, and fall color are much more ornamental than the flowers.

The leaves emerge bright yellow to yellow-green, often become greener during summer, and may turn yellow, orange, or red in fall. Color intensity depends on light, temperature, moisture, and local growing conditions.

Leaves may appear greener because of lower light, seasonal aging, heat, or normal variation. Excessive shade can reduce golden color, while harsh sun can damage the leaves, so bright filtered light is usually the best compromise.