Seasons of change

Character & interest

This cultivar is sought after for its “chameleon” effect: rather than offering only one peak of color, it delivers several distinct phases through the season. The foliage is broad (full moon type) with strong visual impact, and the current season’s growth may also stand out with darker-colored stems.

Colours

• Spring : green with red infusion (often visible on young leaves and on petioles/shoots).

• Summer : a more established green, with possible reddish returns on some new growth.

• Autumn : yellow then orange, finishing in bright red (often very luminous).

Habit & vigour

Rather upright at first, then more open with time (small tree). Moderate to good vigor in cool, moist soil: steady growth, without being a dwarf variety.

Indicative size

Recent cultivar: sizes should be taken as approximate ranges.

• often listed around 2 m in some European catalogues,

• sometimes projected larger (up to about 3.5–4 m in the medium term) depending on conditions and training,

• spread generally balanced with height (a small-tree silhouette).

Exposure

Bright partial shade or gentle sun. To preserve foliage quality (and limit leaf scorch), choose a sheltered position protected from dry winds and harsh afternoon sun, especially in containers.

Origin & history

This cultivar is presented as a recent selection attributed to Crispin Silva (Oregon, USA), circulated as a full-moon type Acer shirasawanum. A specialist source indicates it may come from a chance seedling of Acer shirasawanum ‘Palmatifolium’. The name is found with or without an apostrophe: ‘Seasons of Change’ and ‘Season’s of Change’.