Full Moon Maple
acer shirasawanum
Also known as: ["Japanese Maple","Moon Maple"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to Japan, known for its distinctive rounded leaves with deeply incised lobes, creating a full moon-like appearance.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","seasonal color change","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Acer |
| Botanical Name: | Acer shirasawanum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: partially shaded garden bed or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil; mix of loam, peat, and perlite.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or filtered sunlight daily; adjust for intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun with protection from harsh afternoon sun
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak summer hours; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, slightly acidic, loamy soil with organic matter
pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Use a mix with good aeration; avoid heavy clay soils; check drainage before planting.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–8; prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F); tolerates cold but needs protection from extreme heat.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in winter
Fertilize in spring before new growth; use a balanced formula; reduce or stop in fall and winter.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer; air layering for mature plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or cactus mix with added rooting hormone.
Hormone
Recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags or propagator, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to shape branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the tree, remove dead or crossing branches, encourage air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw for larger branches, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts just above buds or branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for young trees to encourage growth.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if crowded; use fresh soil mix; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility; ensure pH is within preferred range.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress; stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt, discolor, or drop; growth slows or halts; potential for frost damage in winter.
Solution: Mulch around the base; protect from frost with burlap or frost cloth; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, or drooping; reduced vigor; potential for heat stress in prolonged high temperatures.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply but infrequently; avoid fertilizing in extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; follow dilution instructions; apply during growing season only.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume seeds or leaves of Acer shirasawanum. The effects are typically not life-threatening but should be monitored.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of seeds or leaves of Acer shirasawanum may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs. The toxicity is not severe but can lead to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicAcer shirasawanum contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The toxicity is generally low, but caution is advised due to potential irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Acer shirasawanum grow?
A: It typically reaches 15–20 feet in height, with a spread of 10–15 feet.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade, especially in hotter climates, to protect its delicate foliage.
Q: When does it bloom?
A: It produces small yellow flowers in spring, followed by winged seeds in autumn.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun with |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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