Acer shirasawanum Aureum - Japanese Maple

Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' is a sculptural Japanese maple, with beautiful lobed foliage. The leaves are light green in spring and then golden yellow in summer, turning orange in autumn.

Originally from Japan, this bush can reach up to 7m (23ft) in height in its country of origin, but in our gardens its size is much smaller and it rarely exceeds 4m (13ft) in height. Also known as Golden Japanese Maple, this bush is perfectly hardy but does not tolerate high temperatures well. Initially shrubby, it forms a small trunk and a well-rounded and spreading habit. The deciduous foliage, 5 to 11cm (2 to 4in) long, opposite and deeply divided into 7 or 11 toothed lobes, gradually changes from light green in spring, to golden yellow in summer, and finally orange in autumn. Before the leaves appear, pretty purple flowers are borne in pendant corymbs on long peduncles. The flowering is followed by winged fruits 2cm (1in) long.

Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' grows very slowly in preferably acidic, moist, fertile, loamy and well-drained soil, in a semi-shaded position, protected from cold and dry winds. High temperatures cause leaf burn, which makes the leaf fall quickly. 

Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' is ideal as a standalone plant on a shaded lawn or as shade for ericaceous beds accompanied by azaleas, pieris, rhododendrons and heathers. It can also make a magnificent bonsai to be grown in a flat pot.