Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' (Full-moon maple, Fernleaf full-moon maple)

Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' Photo/Illustration: Melissa Lucas



Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' AY-sir jah-PON-ih-kum Common Name: Full-moon maple, Fernleaf full-moon maple Synonyms: 'Filicifolium', 'Laciniatum' Genus: Acer
Full-moon maple has deeply lobed leaves, crimson autumn color, and plenty of small, reddish flowers in spring. It can be grown as a small tree or multi-stemmed shrub. Its growth habit is mounded, bushy, and spreading. The cultivar name 'Aconitifolium' refers to the fact that its ferny foliage resembles that of monkshood (Aconitum). This beautiful tree makes a great specimen plant and is very hardy.
Noteworthy characteristics: Good fall color; deeply lobed leaves; free-flowering.
Care: Average, well-drained soil in part shade (leaves may burn in full sun). Protect from strong winds. Stake for more upright growth, or leave alone to create a cascade of foliage. Prune only from late autumn to mid-winter.
Propagation: Graft in late winter; bud in late summer. Sow seed in situ or in containers outdoors as soon as ripe.
Problems: Maples are prone to aphids, scale insects, and caterpillars; Verticillium wilt, tar spot, and various fungal leaf spots and roots are common. Branch cankers and heart and wood rots also occur.
Height 15 ft. to 30 ft.
Spread 15 ft. to 30 ft.
Growth Habit Spreads
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Spring
Flower Color Purple/ Lavender Flower; Red Flower
Uses Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Style Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Shrubs,Trees

Plants you might also like

Rhus typhina 'Tigereye Bailtiger' Rhus typhina 'Tigereye Bailtiger'
(Tiger eyes sumac, Staghorn sumac, Velvet sumac)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Lemon-lime foliage, fuzzy stems, and intense fall color make this sumac cultivar a standout. It grows into an upright, rounded form about 6 feet tall and as wide. New growth emerges chartreuse. Fall brings leaves of yellow, scarlet, and orange. Flowers are yellowish green and followed, on female plants, by hairy, dark red fruit. This plant spreads by suckers and can be invasive. The species is native to North America.

Ilex crenata Ilex crenata
(Japanese holly)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This dense, evergreen holly reaches 6 to 10 feet tall and at least as wide. The species is rarely used in landscapes, but there are many cultivars available with more interesting shape and color. This plant grows slowly, but can be invasive. Its dark green leaves are lustrous and the black fruit is hidden beneath them, so it is not obvious as in other hollies. Use Japanese holly in foundation plantings, hedges, beds and borders, or formal gardens.

Viburnum prunifolium Viburnum prunifolium
(Blackhaw Viburnum)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Blackhaw Viburnum is a large shrub or small tree with clusters of creamy white flowers followed by pink-rose berries, which birds love to eat. Its distinctive bronze-green foliage on reddish purple stems turns blue-black in the fall. Blackhaw grows to 12 to 15 feet high and 8 to12 feet wide.

Acer palmatum var. dissectum Acer palmatum var. dissectum
(Japanese maple, Threadleaf Japanese maple)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This round, mound-forming, deciduous Japanese maple has many qualities that make it an excellent garden plant, including a sculptural form, deeply cut foliage, arching shoots, and golden autumn color. The reddish purple flowers are tiny but attractive up close. They are followed by winged fruit. Threadleaf Japanese maple makes a beautiful specimen in small gardens and can be grown in large containers or used for bonsai.

Broussonetia papyrifera 'Golden Shadow' Broussonetia papyrifera 'Golden Shadow'
(Golden paper mulberry)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This golden-leaved version of the southern paper mulberry can be treated as a cutback shrub to control size and for best production of brilliant golden yellow, large, lobed leaves. Or it can be allowed to grow into a small- to medium-sized tree. It's a most desirable garden plant and looks fabulous with deep blue salvias.