Saturday, June 7, 2014

Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' - Fernleaf Fullmoon Maple

The Dancing Peacock Maple (Fern Leaf Fullmoon Maple) is one of my favorites and I am so glad they grow well around here. They are more reliable than the species from what I can tell, they are also more cold hardy but that's not an issue here. Small in stature, growing 10-15 or so feet tall, with an open upright to spreading habit. For those of us with a weakness for green cutleaf maples, the fullmoon maple is a great option as they tend to be more tolerant of sun.



The fall color is hard to beat.



Leaves are deciduous, opposite, simple, rounded in outline, 4-6" in diameter, with dissected margins all the way to the base of the petiole. Seem to be thicker than the species.





Flowers are small, red and look the same as the species, but they do bloom well.


Misidentification
Another maple perhaps, but rounded leaves and very finely dissected margins is a great starting place.

Location
Aptos
507 Monterey Dr.