Acer japonicum, commonly known as Fullmoon Maple, is a small deciduous tree or large shrub native to mountainous areas, forest edges, and riverbanks in Japan. It typically grows to 5–10 m tall, rarely reaching 15 m, with a trunk up to 40 cm in diameter. Often, it presents as a multi-stemmed shrub with trunks joining at ground level. The Fullmoon Maple is notable for its rounded leaves that resemble a full moon, particularly striking in the fall when they turn vibrant shades of red and orange. The flowers, which appear in early spring as the leaves unfurl, are dark purplish-red, 1 cm in diameter, and hang in drooping corymbs of 10–15. The fruit is a paired samara with 7 mm diameter nutlets and a 20–25 mm wing, hanging beneath the foliage.

This species is appreciated for its ornamental qualities, including its showy flowers and spectacular autumn coloration, making it a popular choice for garden and landscape use in temperate regions. It is used for border planting, as a specimen tree, and in Japanese-style gardens. Fullmoon Maple requires full sun to part shade, medium water, and well-drained soil to thrive. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf scorch in hot, dry conditions and may require protection from strong winds.CC BY-SA 4.0