This large shrub to small tree has an upright spreading habit with whitish blotched bark. It has mid-green lobed leaves that turn red during autumn and the small red cup-shaped flowers appeared in clusters during mid-spring followed by winged seeds.

Hardiness zones 5 to 9 

Acer japonicum is naturally found in Japan growing in well drained slightly acidic moist soils in a protected sunny position and is frost tolerant but drought tender. 

The Full Moon Maple is a very attractive tree that is widely used in Japan in small to medium size gardens as a specimen or for screen planting along borders. It is slow growing often only reaching shrub status and has excellent autumn colour. It establishes in 3 to 5 years and is long lived. ID 1272

Acer (AR-ser) japonicum (ja-PON-ee-kum)

'Acer': hard or sharp (ancient Roman spears were of maple wood); Japonicum, from Japan

Sapindaceae (sap-in-DAY-see-ee) 
Litchi, Maple, Horse Chestnut and Hop Bush Family