Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' Goldenmoon Maple, Golden Full Moon Maple or Yellow-moon Maple formally often referred to as Acer japonicum 'Aureum'. Native of Japan, on Hokkaido and Honshu, growing in forest in the mountains, flowering in May. The leaves are usually 9-lobed, less than halfway to the base of the leaf; the tree may reach 15 m. 'Aureum' is an excellent cultivar, with beautiful yellow-green leaves and contrasting red flowers and fruits. It has long been known in Japan, and has been in Europe since the mid-19th C. Specimens over 100 years old are 5-6 m high. Any good soil; sun or part shade, shelter from wind. Hardy to -25°C.
In f. aconitifolium the large leaves are divided to the base into usually 11 lobes and each lobe is further divided almost to the midrib. Autumn colour is usually a good red. Height around 5m. Z6.