October Tree of the Month-Full Moon Maple

If the king of trees is the mighty oak, and the magnolia is queen, surely the Japanese maples are the princes in this royal family. Among the thousands of cultivars between Acer japonica and Acer palmatum, one of the most unique and beautiful for fall color is the full moon maple. In the Garden-Lou Garden, A. japonica ‘Aconitifolium’ is the princely cultivar that graces the side garden along my drive. No matter how chaotic the fall season gets, I can still view its spectacular fall color as I come and go.

‘Aconitifolium’ is considered a dwarf cultivar of A. japonica since it only grows 8-10′. (‘Maiku jaku’ is a synonym for this cultivar name.) Usually multi-stemmed, it has a rounded form that mimics the rounded (full-moon-shaped!), deeply cut, fern-like leaves. Small red corymb flowers appear in spring, followed by tiny samaras in fall.

Full moon maples, like other Japanese maples, actually prefer dappled or part shade similar to the growing conditions in their native countries of China, Japan, and Korea. Morning sun is fine, but try to offer some afternoon shade from the blistering St. Louis sun that can scorch delicate leaves. Protection from strong winds is also beneficial. Full moon maples aren’t too picky about soils, but well-draining, slightly acidic, organically rich soils are preferred.

Like with most Japanese maples, careful, selective pruning can enhance the beautiful structure of these trees. Consult a professional if you aren’t confident in your pruning abilities.

Other notable cultivars of full moon maple are Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’, known as the golden full moon maple. ‘Aureum’ has bright, lime-green foliage with the same, dwarf habit. ‘Green Cascade’ is a weeping form growing 4-5′ high and 6-8′ wide.

What I love about this plant:

–Compact size for smaller gardens.

-EXCELLENT fall color.

-Beautiful form, especially if carefully pruned to show it off.

What’s not so great:

-Subject to damage from late frosts.

-Leaves scorch easily-please do not plant them in full sun. Late afternoon shade is especially appreciated in the Midwest, as is protection from wind.

-Verticillium wilt, leaf spots, root rots, anthracnose, collar rot, and stem canker are possibilities.

-Potential insect pests include aphids, scale, borers, and caterpillars. 

-Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

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