PlantFiles: Fernleaf Full Moon Maple, Japanese Maple
Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium'

This tree was purchased as a Mother's Day gift for me in 2008, and I LOVE it! We have it in the NE corner of our yard, in the partial shade of a large Magnolia. The tree receives only about 2 hours of direct sun in the summer time, and the winter winds are attenuated in this part of the yard partially by the neighbors 8 ft. privacy fence, and a stand of White Pines. Unfortunately, the tree does receive some direct sunlight in the winter when the magnolia has no leaves, but hopefully (knock on wood) this will not prove to be a problem.

A very popular cultivar of Fullmoon Maple. In hot climates such as the midwest or the deep south, this tree will show signs of scorch. Partial sun, therefore is best in these such climates.

This species seems to be more hardy than that of species palmatum (Acer palmatum). A good choice for zone 5a climates.

Photo of its outstanding fall color taken October 25, 2005 in Illinois, USA.

The leaves on this tree are quite large, about three inches across. In the fall they turn shiny, mottled red and yellow, slowly turning to dark red and then to dull red/brown. It will hold onto it's leaves rather than drop them and I have to remove them to keep the tree tidy in the late fall. New spring foliage is light green with some pink and then darkening some through the summer. Has been known to be called a threadleaf full moon maple.

The common name of "Japanese Maple" is a bit confusing - this species is not as widely known or grown as Acer palmatum. The cultivar 'Aconitifolium' is the most popular of the species; its Japanese name 'Maiku-jaku' reportedly translates as "Dancing Peacock". It has the added benefit of being a bit hardier than A. palmatum

Recipient of the Award of Garden Merit from the RHS; deserves to be more widely grown, IMO