Full Moon Maple

About this plant

Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium', or the Full Moon Maple, is a true standout in any garden, celebrated for its deeply dissected, palmate leaves that resemble a bird's foot. These unique leaves emerge a fresh green, providing a delicate texture throughout spring and summer before transforming into an explosion of fiery reds, oranges, and purples in autumn. This specimen tree offers a compact, rounded form, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, courtyards, or as a focal point in a mixed border. Its graceful branches and exquisite bark add year-round interest, even after its breathtaking fall display. Perfect for creating a serene and sophisticated landscape, the Full Moon Maple pairs beautifully with evergreens, groundcovers, and other Japanese maples to create a truly captivating vista. Its distinctive beauty makes it a highly sought-after plant for discerning gardeners.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Requires well-drained, organically rich soil. Protect from strong winds and late spring frosts. A layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Prune only to remove dead or crossing branches in late winter or early spring.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.