Acer shirasawanum 'Magic Moon' Japanese Maple

Acer shirasawanum 'Magic Moon' is a full-moon Japanese maple with palmate leaves that emerge green in spring and develop distinctive bronze mottling over yellow and orange tones as the season advances, a trait unusual among shirasawanums. The foliage transitions to orange and red in autumn, with the variegation remaining visible throughout. This cultivar grows at approximately one foot per year, reaching roughly 8 feet tall over ten years, and displays a rounded habit. According to the growers at Mr Maple, the cultivar was discovered by Jonathan Savage and named after a JJ Cale song; it is notably durable and responds well to late-day shade in warmer zones, which intensifies both the bronzing and the characteristic mottling on emerging buds. Best results are achieved with early morning sun and afternoon shade, combined with well-draining soil.