Acer shirasawanum 'Sensu' (Full Moon Maple)

Acer shirasawanum 'Sensu' (Full Moon Maple) is a Korean / Golden Fullmoon Maple cultivar, 'Sensu', a Japan native introduced as a refined garden tree.

'Aureum' and 'Autumn Moon' have chartreuse-gold spring foliage on rounded leaves; slow-growing. Part shade to part sun (afternoon shade in hot sites) suits this species best in cool maritime PNW gardens. Plant in humus-rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil; avoid wet feet. Hardy USDA Zone 5 to 7. The chartreuse-gold spring foliage of 'Aureum' and 'Autumn Moon' is the signature feature; afternoon shade preserves the gold tone.

Slow to medium growth, long-lived. Light structural pruning in late winter; avoid heavy cuts. Watch for verticillium wilt (sterilize tools) and pseudomonas tip dieback in wet springs. Generally deer-avoided once established; protect very young plants.

If you'd like a Pacific Northwest native maple with similar grace, consider Acer circinatum (Vine Maple), Oregon's classic woodland-edge maple with brilliant fall color and deep ecological value. Acer macrophyllum (Bigleaf Maple) is the keystone PNW broadleaf maple for larger sites.