This large shrub to small tree has a short smooth trunk or multiple stems with slender spreading branches that form a rounded crown. The mid-green lobed leaves turned gold to red during autumn and the small cup-shaped pale yellow flowers appear in spring.

Hardiness zones 6 to 9 

Acer shirasawanum is naturally found in Japan growing on the mountains of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu in woodlands and sheltered gullies. 

It prefers a sunny to semi-shaded wind protected position and grows in well-drained fertile moist soils and is frost tolerant but drought tender.

Shirasawa's Maple is grown for its rounded habit and autumn colour. It is planted in small or Japanese gardens or use along borders for screening. It is suitable for mountainous regions and establishes in 4-6 years and is moderately long-lived. It is also planted in the understory of woodland gardens and it is a rare Japanese maple that may be difficult to obtain requiring a specialist nursery. ID 3456

Acer (AR-ser) shirasawanum (SHEE-rah-SAH-wah-num)

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