Silver Moon

Silver Moon Maple

Discovered 6 years ago at Mendocino Maples Nursery as a chance seedling of the beloved 'Moonrise', 'Silver Moon' has inherited its parent's vigor and sun tolerance while introducing something rarely seen in the maple world: luminous silver bark that catches light through every season. Young stems glow with a near-metallic sheen in winter and early spring, aging to a distinguished silver-gray on mature wood — an ornamental quality that stands apart from virtually any other maple in cultivation.

Foliage emerges fresh chartreuse-green in spring, carried on distinctive red petioles that provide quiet contrast through summer. Come autumn, 'Silver Moon' delivers a full seasonal finale — leaves cycling through clear yellows, warm oranges, and fiery reds before drop.

A vigorous grower selected for performance in full sun, this cultivar reaches 12–15 feet at maturity. Its upright habit and exceptional bark interest make it a four-season specimen of the first order — as compelling leafless in winter as it is in full summer dress.

Zone: [5] | Mature size: 12–15' H | Exposure: Full sun to part shade | Origin: Seedling selection from A. shirasawanum 'Moonrise'