Acer japonicum 'Orange Fan' Japanese Maple

'Orange Fan' is a Buchholz Nursery introduction selected from the full moon collection, distinguished by large, rounded palmate leaves that emerge with a striking orange blush in early spring before maturing to green. This mid-sized cultivar grows approximately 10 inches per year, reaching about 8 feet in 10 years, and produces large red tassel flowers in early spring followed by consistent fall color ranging from orange to red and yellow. According to the growers at Mr Maple, it is considered superior among Acer japonicum cultivars for the intensity and boldness of its spring orange coloration. For optimal color expression and growth, site it in early morning sun with afternoon shade protection, particularly in warmer zones (5-9); this placement maximizes spring blushing and prevents heat-stress leaf muting, while the large foliage creates striking textural contrast when paired with finer-leaved dissectum maples or smaller-leaved cultivars.