Acer shirasawanum Aureum - Add Golden Glow to Shady Borders

Golden Full Moon Maple, Golden Shirasawa Maple, Acer japonicum Aureum, Acer japonicum var. aureum

If you’re seeking a standout shrub or small tree to elevate your garden with long-lasting colour and form, the Acer shirasawanum Aureum is a superb choice. Also known as the golden full moon maple, this dazzling Japanese maple brightens borders and containers with its apple-green spring leaves, golden-green summer tones, and brilliant autumn colours. Whether you’re designing a peaceful courtyard or a vivid mixed border, this ornamental tree brings structure, vibrancy, and seasonal interest.

Acer shirasawanum Aureum is a slow-growing deciduous shrub or small tree with distinctive rounded foliage. It belongs to the Acer shirasawanum species, a close relative of Acer palmatum and Acer japonicum. Unlike the finely cut leaves of many Japanese maples, the palmate leaves of ‘Aureum’ are broader, more rounded, and deeply lobed.

Often called the Golden Shirasawa Maple or simply the Golden Full Moon Maple, this cultivar is admired for its glowing spring and summer foliage, which ranges from bright yellow to apple-green. In autumn, the leaves transform into rich shades of orange, crimson, and even bright red. Upright in habit with an open, airy structure, it’s ideal for adding form to small gardens or as a specimen tree in a large container.

This maple prefers well-drained, acidic soils rich in organic matter. While it can tolerate neutral soil, avoid alkaline types, as these may lead to leaf chlorosis. Improve your planting site with quality compost or well-rotted leaf mould before planting.

The roots like to stay cool and moist, so consider adding a mulch layer and choosing a planting site with partial shade. In containers, use an acidic loam-based mix and ensure your pot has good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

The foliage is the star of the show. In early spring, the leaves unfurl in an apple-green or bright yellow, turning a deeper golden-green as the season progresses. Their round, lobed shape gives the tree a unique visual softness.

As temperatures cool in autumn, the colours shift dramatically. Expect a fiery transformation with shades of orange, crimson, and even purple-red highlights. Few other trees and shrubs provide such a long season of interest through foliage alone.

Yes, although the flower display is subtle. In spring, upright clusters of small, crimson flowers emerge, adding a touch of detail to the unfolding foliage.

These flowers aren’t the main attraction, but they add a soft blush to the tree’s early-season appearance. They are usually followed by small, winged samaras (the typical maple “helicopters”) that add further seasonal detail.

Absolutely. This slow-growing shrub is ideal for growing in a large container, especially if your garden lacks acidic soil. Select a well-drained, moisture-retentive potting mix designed for trees and shrubs, and feed with a slow-release fertiliser in spring.

Container-grown specimens are easier to shelter from dry weather or intense sun, and they also give you more flexibility with garden design. Be sure to water regularly and repot every few years to keep the roots healthy.

Pruning is rarely needed, but occasional shaping can help maintain a balanced structure. Remove any crossing or damaged branches in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.

Avoid hard pruning, as this can spoil the tree’s graceful shape. If you want to train it to grow in a specific form—such as a small standard or multi-stemmed bush—start this process when the tree is young.

The soft tones of the Aureum maple pair beautifully with low-maintenance woodland plants like ferns, hostas, and heucheras. For contrast, pair with darker-leaved Japanese maples, such as Bloodgood, or striking greens like Orange Dream and Katsura.

You can also enhance the tree’s autumn colour by surrounding it with deciduous shrubs that shift to shades of orange or bright red as the seasons change. Evergreens such as sarcococca or yew can provide a year-round backdrop for this colourful display.

Yes, this medium-sized, hardy maple performs well across much of the UK. It handles temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F) or lower, particularly once established.

It’s ideal for small gardens, urban courtyards, and sheltered borders. In harsher climates, give it a little winter protection while young. Mulch well and avoid planting in frost pockets.

Yes! If you’re a fan of the golden full moon maple, explore other Acer shirasawanum and Acer japonicum cultivars. For example, Vitifolium (the vine-leaved maple) has large leaves and spectacular autumn colour. Orange Dream and Katsura, from the Acer palmatum group, also offer vibrant seasonal displays.

Many of these trees are available at your local nursery or garden centre, often grafted to enhance their strength and health. Look for stock with a good branching structure and healthy bark when selecting your specimen.

There’s something truly special about the way Acer shirasawanum Aureum catches the light on a calm spring morning — it almost glows. I’ve grown this maple in both borders and containers, and wherever it’s placed, it never fails to stop people in their tracks. Its golden foliage brings such a lift to those quieter, shadier corners, and the autumn display is nothing short of spectacular. I always recommend it to anyone looking to add structure and year-round interest without overwhelming their space. It’s slow-growing, low-maintenance, and genuinely one of the most rewarding small trees I’ve ever planted.

• Also known as the golden full moon maple, a slow-growing deciduous shrub or small tree
• Glowing yellow to golden-green foliage with spectacular autumn colour in shades of orange, crimson, and bright red
• Prefers dappled shade or partial shade, with shelter from strong wind and midday sun
• Thrives in acidic, well-drained soil or large containers
• Minimal pruning required, just remove damaged or crossing branches
• Flowers appear in spring as subtle crimson clusters
• Cold hardy across much of the UK
• Pairs beautifully with woodland shrubs, ferns, and darker-leaved Japanese maples
• Available from specialist nurseries, often grafted for best results

Acer shirasawanum Aureum is best in partial shade and moist, well-drained, neutral-to-acidic soil improved with organic matter. Hardy to –20°C (–4°F) or lower in the UK, it reaches 2–3 metres (6.5–10 feet) in a decade. Garden interest is long, with golden spring-summer leaves turning spectacularly orange or red in autumn, and dainty spring flowers. Maintenance is low—focus on protection from wind, frost, and drought, and provide organic improvements each year for dazzling results.

Want to learn about other shrub varieties? Read about Acer palmatum Seiryu here.

For more information on Shrubs for your garden, please click here.

Q: What is Acer shirasawanum Aureum, and why is it called the golden full moon maple?

A: Acer shirasawanum Aureum, also known as the golden full moon maple, is a highly ornamental Japanese maple admired for its stunning golden-yellow foliage. Unlike the more common Acer palmatum, this species has broader, rounded palmate leaves that emerge apple-green in spring and turn golden-yellow with pink tinges in summer, before taking on shades of orange or crimson in autumn. It forms a slow-growing, bushy shrub or small tree with an elegant, upright habit. Its name derives from the full moon-like shape of its leaves and the vibrant golden colour that distinguishes it among yellow-leaved Japanese maples.

Q: Where can I buy Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’ in the UK?

A: Acer shirasawanum Aureum is widely available across the UK from reputable nurseries, specialist Japanese maple growers, and well-stocked garden centres. Many trusted online plant retailers also offer it. Look for grafted specimens with healthy foliage and strong root systems. This golden full moon maple is often sold as a young shrub or small tree, perfect for container cultivation or feature planting. For best results, plant during autumn or early spring, allowing it to establish in cool, moist conditions. Due to its ornamental appeal and slow-growing nature, it’s a favourite among collectors and garden designers alike.

Q: What growing conditions does Acer shirasawanum Aureum prefer?

A: This maple thrives in partial shade, particularly in dappled woodland settings where its golden foliage is protected from harsh midday sun, which can scorch the delicate leaves. It prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic and rich in organic matter. Avoid overly dry or chalky soils. Shelter from strong winds is also beneficial, as this helps preserve leaf quality. A position with morning sun and afternoon shade works well. To support healthy growth and vibrant leaf colour, feed in early spring with a slow-release formula suitable for acid-loving trees and shrubs, and mulch annually to retain moisture.

Q: How tall does Acer shirasawanum Aureum grow, and is it suitable for smaller gardens?

A: Acer shirasawanum Aureum is slow-growing, typically reaching around 2–4 metres in height and spread over many years. Its compact size and bushy, upright form make it ideal for small gardens or growing in large containers. Its sculptural presence and vivid foliage provide long-lasting interest, making it a natural focal point in courtyards or shaded borders. It also complements Japanese-inspired garden designs or woodland schemes beautifully. With minimal pruning—just enough to maintain shape and remove any damaged branches—it remains a low-maintenance yet striking feature in even the most modest-sized outdoor spaces.

Q: What is the difference between Acer shirasawanum and Acer palmatum?

A: Both Acer shirasawanum and Acer palmatum are types of Japanese maple, but they differ in form and foliage. Acer shirasawanum, particularly the cultivar ‘Aureum’, has rounder, more deeply lobed leaves and tends to be slower growing with a more upright habit. Its foliage is often thicker and more durable, showing golden to orange autumn colour. Acer palmatum generally has finer, more dissected leaves and a wider range of cultivars in different colours and forms. While both offer excellent autumn displays, shirasawanum varieties are especially prized for their golden-green foliage and unique leaf structure.

Q: Does Acer shirasawanum Aureum require pruning or special care?

A: This maple is naturally well-shaped and typically requires only light maintenance. Prune in late winter or early spring to remove any crossing or damaged branches, but avoid heavy cutting as this may spoil its graceful habit. Mulch annually to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, and water during dry spells, especially when newly planted or grown in containers. Feed in early spring using a balanced product designed for acid-loving shrubs. Avoid overly exposed positions, which can lead to leaf scorch, and ensure good drainage, particularly in winter, to maintain plant health and longevity.

Q: What seasonal interest does the golden full moon maple offer?

A: Acer shirasawanum Aureum delivers exceptional seasonal colour, making it one of the most admired ornamental trees for UK gardens. In spring, new leaves emerge apple-green or golden-yellow, often with soft pink edges. During summer, the foliage deepens to a vibrant golden-green that shimmers in dappled light. As autumn approaches, it transforms once again, displaying brilliant hues of orange, crimson, and bright red. These dramatic changes, combined with its slow-growing, architectural form, ensure this maple contributes a long season of interest, making it a cherished feature in both contemporary and traditional planting schemes.