Acer japonicum (Fullmoon Maple)
Botanical Information
| Family | Sapindaceae (Aceraceae) |
| Genus | Acer |
| Species | japonicum |
| Category | Woody |
| Type | Tree (deciduous) |
| Origin | Japan. Introduced from Japan to England in 1864. |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 5 - 7 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 4a - 6b |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H6 - H7 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -29 to -15 |
| Temperature (°F) | -20 to 5 |
| Height | 12 m |
| Spread | 5 m |
| Growth | Medium |
| Flowering Period | May |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | This species has been placed on the IUCN Red List as least concern. |
| ID Characteristic | A vigorous small tree with large leaves. The leaves change to a bright yellow or rich red in autumn. |
| Shape | Small, rounded crown. |
| Habitat | Mountains and forests of Southern Japan. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Greyish-white or greyish-brown bark with green or purplish-green, glabrous branchlets. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Ellipsoid, glabrous with 5 pairs of scales. |
| Leaf Description | Leaves are large, thin with 9-11 ovate lobes and a cordate base, 9 - 12 x 16 - 18 cm. In autumn, the leaves change to yellow or red. |
| Flower Description | Purple 5-petaled flowers. |
| Fruit Description | Yellowish green fruit, convex, veined and winged nutlets, 2 - 2.8 x 1 cm, produced in September. |
Photographs
Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium'
Acer japonicum 'Vitifolium'.
Acer japonicum 'Rising Sun'.