Large, grapeleaf-style foliage and a brilliant fall show in gold, orange, and red, a standout maple that brings bold texture to smaller landscapes
FEATURES:
- Distinct “grapeleaf” foliage with large, rounded leaves for bold texture and presence
- Refined branching habit that creates a layered, ornamental canopy
- Excellent specimen tree for courtyards, entries, and focal planting beds
- Performs beautifully in part shade where leaves stay fresh and full-sized
- Adds strong contrast against fine-textured shrubs and evergreens
- Fall color in gold, orange, and red for a vivid seasonal finish
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because the size of the tree - does not fit in a box.
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
When a tree has bold leaves, let it lead. Keep nearby plants more delicate in texture, ferns, sedges, small-leaf evergreens, so the contrast is obvious and the design feels layered. Then repeat one warm tone nearby in fall, amber grasses or copper-toned containers, to make the seasonal color feel intentional.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-8
- Mature Height: 15-20' tall
- Mature Width: 12-18' wide
- Exposure: Part Shade/Full Sun
- Spacing: 12-18' apart
Grapeleaf Full Moon Maple
Bower & Branch Trees and Plants
Acer japonicum 'Vitifolium'
Regular priceSave 25% on All Tree Collections with code: SPRINGBEST25 at checkout.
Plant with Confidence when choosing Big & Tall Trees and Hedges!
Large, grapeleaf-style foliage and a brilliant fall show in gold, orange, and red, a standout maple that brings bold texture to smaller landscapes
FEATURES:
- Distinct “grapeleaf” foliage with large, rounded leaves for bold texture and presence
- Refined branching habit that creates a layered, ornamental canopy
- Excellent specimen tree for courtyards, entries, and focal planting beds
- Performs beautifully in part shade where leaves stay fresh and full-sized
- Adds strong contrast against fine-textured shrubs and evergreens
- Fall color in gold, orange, and red for a vivid seasonal finish
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because the size of the tree - does not fit in a box.
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
When a tree has bold leaves, let it lead. Keep nearby plants more delicate in texture, ferns, sedges, small-leaf evergreens, so the contrast is obvious and the design feels layered. Then repeat one warm tone nearby in fall, amber grasses or copper-toned containers, to make the seasonal color feel intentional.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-8
- Mature Height: 15-20' tall
- Mature Width: 12-18' wide
- Exposure: Part Shade/Full Sun
- Spacing: 12-18' apart
Why plant Grapeleaf Full Moon Maple?
Grapeleaf Full Moon Maple is all about texture. The leaves are larger and more rounded than many ornamental maples, giving the canopy a bold, lush look that reads clearly from a distance. In spring and summer, that big-leaf presence creates a rich, layered feel in the garden, especially in part shade where the foliage stays fresh and full.
Then fall arrives and the tree turns into a seasonal centerpiece, shifting through gold, orange, and red tones that glow in softer autumn light. It’s a perfect choice when you want a smaller ornamental tree that still feels substantial, with leaf texture that stands out and fall color that delivers every year.
How to use Grapeleaf Full Moon Maple in the landscape?
Plant it as a specimen near a patio, entry, or main window view where the bold leaf texture can be appreciated up close and the fall color can become a seasonal focal point. It’s especially effective in part-shade woodland-style gardens, where the large leaves create contrast against ferns, fine-textured grasses, and smaller-leaved shrubs. Pair it with deep green evergreens to highlight the leaf shape through summer and to make the gold, orange, and red fall color look even richer. Give it room to spread naturally and keep the base planting simple so the canopy’s texture remains the main feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Full moon maples have small, subtle spring flowers that are not showy. The primary ornamental features are the bold foliage, branching form, and fall color.
It grows well in part shade to full sun, depending on climate. In hotter regions, part shade (especially afternoon shade) helps protect foliage and keep leaves looking their best. In cooler regions, it can take more sun and often shows strong fall color.
Prune lightly in late winter or after leaf drop to remove crossing or damaged branches and maintain a pleasing structure. Avoid heavy pruning to preserve its natural layered form.
