Fullmoon Maple (Acer japonicum)
Also known as: Acer japonicum.
The Fullmoon Maple, a deciduous shrub hailing from Japan, Korea, and parts of China, boasts remarkable round leaves that exhibit a luminous yellow coloration in the spring and summer, transitioning to splendid oranges and reds come autumn. The distinctive form of this shrub ensures it stands out in any garden setting, while its bark, adorned with shades of orange and dark brown, adds further visual interest. The Fullmoon Maple is celebrated for its exquisite white blossoms with central yellow spots, which make their appearance from late spring to early summer. With its captivating foliage, striking flowers, and intriguing bark, the Fullmoon Maple serves as a magnificent addition to a diverse array of landscapes.
Interesting facts about the Fullmoon Maple:
- Lunar Luminary: The Fullmoon Maple derives its name from its distinctive, rounded leaves that resemble the shape of a full moon. This unique foliage characteristic sets it apart from other maple species and contributes to its ornamental appeal.
- Autumn Tapestry: In autumn, the Fullmoon Maple puts on a spectacular display of colors. Its leaves transform into a vibrant tapestry of golden yellow, orange, and crimson hues, creating a breathtaking sight that adds warmth and radiance to the fall landscape.
- Native Elegance: The Fullmoon Maple is native to Japan, where it is known as “tsuki kaede” or “tsuki momiji.” It is a deciduous tree that typically grows to a height of 20-30 feet, with a graceful, spreading canopy.
- Bonsai Masterpiece: Due to its compact size and attractive foliage, the Fullmoon Maple is a popular choice for bonsai enthusiasts. Skilled artisans carefully cultivate and shape these trees to create miniature works of art that capture the essence of nature in a compact form.
- Medicinal Merits: In traditional Japanese medicine, the bark of the Fullmoon Maple has been used for its purported medicinal properties. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects and has been used to treat various ailments.
- Culinary Delights: The young leaves of the Fullmoon Maple are edible and can be used in salads or tempura dishes. They have a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that adds a unique touch to culinary creations.
- Symbol of Tranquility: In Japanese culture, the Fullmoon Maple is associated with tranquility and inner peace. Its rounded leaves are said to represent the fullness and completeness of the moon, which is often seen as a symbol of serenity and harmony.
Plant care guide:
Pruning
The Fullmoon Maple should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Pruning should focus on removing dead and weak branches and should not be overly aggressive. Remove no more than 1-third of the total branch structure. Remove water sprouts and any large multiple shoots growing from the same area. You may also want to selectively prune some branches to reduce the overall size of the tree if desired.
Watering
Fullmoon Maple thrives best with regular watering. Water the soil deeply, providing about 5 cm. of water weekly during the growing season (April through October). Decrease watering slightly during the winter months (November through March), providing approximately 2.5 cm of water every 2 weeks. Ensure that the soil is evenly moist but not too wet, and avoid overwatering. Additionally, consider adding a mulch layer of organic material around the base of the plant to help the soil retain moisture and reduce weed growth.
Sunlight
Fullmoon Maple trees require direct sunlight for a minimum of 6 hours each day. Although they will tolerate full sun exposures, they prefer morning sun and afternoon shade during the hottest hours of the day and do well in partial shade. During the winter months the plant needs less sunlight and morning sun is preferable. Keep the tree planted in a sunny area to ensure a healthy life and high-quality blooms.
Plant information:
- Family: Sapindaceae
- Type: Tree
- Height: ~6.1 meters
- Cycle: Perennial
- Growth Rate: Low
-
Anatomy:
- Branches: green-yellow
- Twigs: green-yellow
- Leaves: green
- Flower Color: Purplish red
- Maintenance: Low
- Care Level: Medium
-
Watering:
- ~3 cm
- Average
- Every 3-4 days
- Sunlight requirement: Full sun, part shade
- Pruning:
- February, March, April, May
- Propagation: Air Layering Propagation, Grafting Propagation, Cutting, Division, Seed Propagation
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Origin: Japan, Kuril Islands
- Seeds: No
- Drought Tolerant: Yes
- Salt Tolerant: No
- Thorny: No
- Invasive: No
- Tropical: No
- Indoor: No
- Flowers: Yes
- Cones: No
- Fruits: No
- Edible Fruit: No
- Leaf: Yes
- Edible Leaf: No
- Cuisine: No
- Medicinal: No
- Poisonous to Humans: No
- Poisonous to Pets: No
Sources & more information:
Content is based on public databases such as the KEW Plants of the World database, among others. Please double-check all information. "About Plants" does not take responsibility for any inaccuracies.