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Full Moon Maple 'Aureum' (Acer shirasawanum): Golden Foliage for Shade Gardens

Full Moon Maple Aureum

Aureum foliage

Aureum form

Aureum bark

Overview

Full Moon Maple 'Aureum' (Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum') is a stunning cultivar of the Full Moon Maple species, prized for its luminous golden-yellow to lime-green foliage that brightens shaded areas. Its rounded, shallowly lobed leaves (distinct from A. palmatum) turn spectacular shades of orange and red in autumn. A slow-growing, small tree that adds a beacon of light to woodland gardens.

Botanical Details

Family: Sapindaceae (sap-in-DAY-see-ee)
Genus: Acer (AY-ser)
Species: Acer shirasawanum (shir-ah-sa-WAN-um)
Cultivar: 'Aureum'
Synonym: Acer shirasawanum f. aureum

Growing Conditions

Best in USDA zones 5-7. Requires partial to full shade; direct sun will scorch the golden leaves. Moist, well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter. Water consistently. Protect from drying winds. Slow growth; little pruning needed.

Landscape Uses

Exceptional as a specimen in a shaded courtyard, woodland garden, or north-facing border. Its glowing foliage illuminates dark corners. Also beautiful in a large container on a shaded patio.

Japanese Maples: Fernleaf Full Moon Maple 'Aconitifolium' (Acer japonicum): Dancing Peacock with Deeply Cut Leaves; Full Moon Maple 'Meigetsu' (Acer japonicum): Rounded Leaves with Superb Fall Color; Full Moon Maple 'Palmatifolium' (Acer shirasawanum): Deeply Lobed Green Leaves; Full Moon Maple 'Otaki' (Acer japonicum): Green Leaves with Red Petioles; Full Moon Maple 'Attaryi' (Acer japonicum): Large Leaves, Vigorous Growth; Full Moon Maple 'Autumn Moon' (Acer shirasawanum): Orange-Red Spring, Gold Summer; Full Moon Maple 'Oregon Farm' (Acer shirasawanum): Green Leaves, Vigorous; Full Moon Maple 'Moonrise' (Acer shirasawanum): Pink Spring, Gold Summer, PP16718; Vitifolium Full Moon Maple: A Grape-Leaf Cultivar of Acer japonicum; Japanese Maple (Acer japonicum)

Garden Articles

Green Cascade Full Moon Maple: A Weeping Cultivar of Acer japonicum

'O Isami' Japanese Maple: A Striking Full Moon Maple Cultivar

Full Moon Maple 'Red Dawn' (Acer shirasawanum)

Full Moon Maple 'Ezo no Momiji' (Acer shirasawanum)

Full Moon Maple 'Johin' (Acer shirasawanum)

Full Moon Maple 'Filiformis' (Threadleaf Full Moon Maple)

Fernleaf Full Moon Maple 'Filicifolium' (Acer japonicum)

Plants

Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Tamukeyama': Classic Weeping Purple-Red Laceleaf

Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Seiryu': The Upright Green Laceleaf Exception

Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Orangeola': Weeping Laceleaf with Unique Orange-Red Tones

Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Garnet': Vigorous Weeping Red Laceleaf with Great Color Retention

Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Waterfall': Cascading Green Laceleaf with Golden Fall Color

Cutleaf Japanese Maple (Dissectum Group): The Classic Green Weeping Laceleaf

Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Octopus': Dissectum with Long, Twisting Lobes