If I could only grow one maple, I think this might be it. Previously
categorized as an Acer japonicum, it is now recognized as a
separate species. Not to be confused with the Full Moon Maple,
aka Fernleaf Full Moon Maple, Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium',
which has deeply cut lobes. This cultivar has very shallow lobes,
creating a nearly circular (moonlike) impression. The leaves emerge
a chartreuse color, then become pale gold for the summer, with
orange and gold tones creeping in for fall. The high demand and
short supply on this cultivar is explained in part by its slow growth
(and of course its beauty). Vertrees mentions a tree he saw in 1975
(on the Van Gelderen property, actually), that was 15-18' tall and
110 years old. Van Gelderen recently described the same tree as
about 25' tall, nearly 30 years later. You should therefore not be
surprised when the plant you receive is less than 1'.This tree needs
to have afternoon shade, and will light up a gloomy spot very
well. It is reported to be difficult in hot, humid summers, and those
who live in such conditions might want to move in order to grow
this tree. Or, you could grow the related cultivar A. shirawawanum
'Autumn Moon', which is said to be more tolerant of heat and humidity.

'Aureum'
4" pot, $15.00
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