What is a full moon moonrise maple?

A Full Moon Moonrise Maple, scientifically known as Acer shirasawanum ‘Munn 001’, is a remarkable tree that has several enticing features for gardening enthusiasts. This particular variety stands out due to its vibrant red spring foliage, stunning chartreuse color during the summer, vigorous growth habit, and increased tolerance to direct sunlight. It possesses a magnificent, open form that is reminiscent of the popular Aureum cultivar.

One of the most captivating aspects of the Full Moon Moonrise Maple is its bright red spring foliage. As the tree awakens from its winter slumber, it bursts forth with a striking display of vibrant red leaves. This eye-catching color adds a touch of drama and excitement to any garden or landscape. Watching the leaves transition from their winter hues to this vibrant red is truly a sight to behold and can be a source of great joy for gardeners.

During the summer months, the Full Moon Moonrise Maple transforms its foliage into a stunning chartreuse color. This shade of green is unique and adds a refreshing, lively element to the landscape. The combination of the red spring foliage and the chartreuse summer color creates a beautiful contrast that can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of any garden or outdoor space.

In addition to its captivating appearance, the Full Moon Moonrise Maple is also known for its vigorous growth habit. This means that it has a tendency to grow quickly and develop a substantial size within a relatively short period. This can be advantageous for gardeners who are looking to establish a focal point or provide shade in their landscape in a shorter timeframe. However, it is important to consider the available space and ensure that the tree has enough room to grow and thrive without overcrowding other plants or structures.

Another noteworthy attribute of the Full Moon Moonrise Maple is its increased tolerance to direct sunlight. While many maple varieties prefer partial shade or filtered sunlight, this particular cultivar demonstrates a greater ability to withstand and thrive in full sun conditions. This is particularly beneficial for gardeners who have limited shade options in their landscape or for those who wish to incorporate the tree into a more open and sun-drenched area. However, it is still advisable to provide some protection from intense afternoon sun, especially in regions with hot summers.

The Full Moon Moonrise Maple showcases a big and beautiful open form, similar to the popular Aureum variety. This means that it has a graceful and elegant structure that adds a sense of grandeur to the landscape. Its open form allows for better air circulation, reducing the risk of diseases and promoting overall tree health. Furthermore, the open structure provides an opportunity for the sunlight to penetrate deeper into the tree, ensuring that the foliage receives adequate light for photosynthesis and growth.

The Full Moon Moonrise Maple, or Acer shirasawanum ‘Munn 001’, is a remarkable tree that offers a multitude of reasons to be excited. From its bright red spring foliage to its stunning chartreuse summer color, vigorous growth habit, and increased tolerance to sunlight, this cultivar is a true gem for any garden or landscape. Its big and beautiful open form adds an element of elegance and grandeur, further enhancing its appeal. Whether you are a gardening enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, the Full Moon Moonrise Maple is undoubtedly a tree worth considering for your outdoor space.

Photo of author

Caroline Bates

Caroline is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing.