Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'

Acers (or Maples as they are commonly known as) are trees and shrubs grown mainly for their colourful foliage. Many varieties are the trees and shrubs responsible for spectacular Autumn colours. There are many different types of Acer, from the smaller types, such as the very popular Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) grown in many gardens, to the large maple trees that can grow up to 45 m in height. Most species have palmate leaves that are lobed (usually 3 - 9 lobes). The flowers, which are green, yellow, orange or red, in racemes, umbels or corymbs, appear in early Spring, and are followed by fruit, - samaras - or "helicopters", "whirlybirds" "maple keys" or "polynoses" due to the way they spin as they fall in Autumn. Acer shirasawanum is a species Acer native to Japan and is often called the Full Moon Maple or Shirasawa Maple. This species has leaves that are round, palmate, lobed (usually 9-13 lobes) and not deeply incised. They are grown mainly for their coloured foliage - particularly Autumn foliage. 'Autumn Moon' is similar in appearance to Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' however is less prone to sun burn. Leaves are a beautiful peach colour in spring changing to lime green for summer and in Autumn to shades of red and orange.

Contributed by @larchfieldtrees

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  Full sun to partial shade

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  Occasional watering

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  Frost Hardy: 23F (-5°C)

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  Light and free draining