Description

🍁 Yellow Moon Maple

Acer shirasawanum var. aureum

A rare, luminous treasure for collectors and designers.

Yellow Moon Maple is one of the most striking and sought‑after forms of Acer shirasawanum, celebrated for its glowing golden foliage and refined, sculptural presence. This species is slow‑growing, exceptionally rare in cultivation, and highly prized by maple enthusiasts who appreciate subtle beauty and year‑round elegance.

🌿 Brilliant Golden Foliage

From the moment it leafs out in spring, this maple commands attention.

• New leaves emerge in bright, luminous yellow, almost lantern‑like in filtered light.
• The foliage holds its color beautifully through summer, especially in partial shade, where it glows without scorching.
• Each leaf is rounded and deeply lobed, giving the tree a soft, layered texture that stands apart from typical Japanese maples.

🍁 Four‑Season Beauty

• Spring: Fresh golden foliage lights up the garden.
• Summer: Leaves remain vibrant, forming a dense, elegant canopy.
• Fall: Color shifts to warm amber and orange tones, adding depth to autumn plantings.
• Winter: The tree’s branching structure becomes architectural, offering quiet beauty in the dormant season.

🌱 Growth Habit & Culture

• Typically grows 8–12 ft tall, forming a rounded, compact shape ideal for small gardens or focal points.
• Prefers partial shade, especially afternoon protection, to maintain leaf color and prevent burn.
• Thrives in moist, well‑drained soil with consistent watering during establishment.
• Slow‑growing and long‑lived — a true investment tree for curated landscapes.

🌳 Why Collectors Love It

• Extremely rare from seed and even rarer as established trees.
• Golden forms of Acer shirasawanum are among the most coveted Japanese maples.
• Offers unmatched color, elegance, and refinement in a manageable size.
• Perfect for woodland gardens, shade gardens, specimen plantings, and premium landscape designs.

📏 Available Sizes

• 1–2 ft young trees — ideal for establishing and shaping early
• 3–4 ft developing specimens showing strong color and form
• 5–6 ft premium, landscape‑ready trees with exceptional presence