Acer circinatum 'Sunglow' Japanese Maple

Acer circinatum 'Sunglow' is a compact, multi-stemmed shrub reaching 4-5 feet wide and approximately 4 feet tall in ten years. It is characterized by full, rounded orbicular leaves that emerge luminous orange in spring, shift to pale yellow-green in summer with hints of glowing yellow-orange throughout the canopy, and transition to yellow with occasional orange and red tones in fall. According to the growers at Mr Maple, this cultivar was discovered by Floyd McMullen in Portland, Oregon, and introduced by Talon Buchholz as a seedling selection; it likely represents a hybrid between Acer circinatum and Acer palmatum, combining the vine maple's dense, shrubby habit with intensified warm-toned foliage. Like other Japanese maples, it requires excellent drainage and benefits from morning sun with afternoon shade in warmer climates, though it thrives in cool, moist Pacific Northwest conditions.