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Description
Acer Shirasawanum Autumn Moon is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Aceraceae family. It is also known as full moon maple or golden full moon maple due to its unique foliage color. It is a hybrid of Acer shirasawanum and Acer palmatum. This tree is native to Japan and is widely grown in North America, especially in gardens and parks. It is a slow-growing tree that can reach up to 20 feet in height and spread up to 15 feet wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Aceraceae |
| Genus | Acer |
Appearance
Acer Shirasawanum Autumn Moon has an attractive foliage color that changes throughout the seasons. In spring, the leaves emerge with a bright yellow-green color, which turns to a golden-yellow in summer. In fall, the leaves turn to a brilliant orange-red color. The leaves are palmate, with five to nine lobes and are about 4 inches wide. The bark of the tree is smooth and grayish-brown in color. The tree produces small yellow-green flowers that bloom in spring.
Care Guide
Proper care is essential for the healthy growth of Acer Shirasawanum Autumn Moon. Here are some care tips:
- Water: The tree needs regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer once a year in spring. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can damage the tree.
- Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers partial shade to full sun exposure. Protection from strong winds is also necessary.
- Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Acer Shirasawanum Autumn Moon is susceptible to various pests and diseases, such as:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause leaf curling and distortion.
- Canker: This fungal disease can cause sunken patches on the bark and branches.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems.
- Scale insects: These insects can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves.
Habitat
Acer Shirasawanum Autumn Moon is native to Japan and grows in mountainous regions. It prefers cool and moist conditions and can tolerate partial shade to full sun exposure. It is widely grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks in North America.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Acer Shirasawanum Autumn Moon?
A: The tree needs regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Acer Shirasawanum Autumn Moon?
A: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Q: What is the foliage color of Acer Shirasawanum Autumn Moon?
A: The leaves emerge with a bright yellow-green color in spring, which turns to a golden-yellow in summer and a brilliant orange-red in fall.
Q: What pests and diseases affect Acer Shirasawanum Autumn Moon?
A: The tree is susceptible to aphids, canker, powdery mildew, and scale insects.
Related Plants
- Acer Palmatum
- Acer Shirasawanum
- Acer Japonicum
References
- “Acer shirasawanum ‘Autumn Moon’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed May 10, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a442.
- “Acer Shirasawanum ‘Autumn Moon’.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed May 10, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/52581/Acer-shirasawanum-Autumn-Moon/Details.
- “Acer Shirasawanum Autumn Moon.” Gardening Know How. Accessed May 10, 2021. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/maple/growing-autumn-moon-japanese-maple-trees.htm.
