She may be referring Acer Shirasawanum Aureum, also known as Golden Full Moon Maple. It is a gorgeous tree. It is prone to leaf burn though, and tends to be rather finicky. It needs a shady spot.

There is a new cultivar which is similar called Moonrise available from http://www.metromaples.com , but this is the first year, and I'd wait for some more reviews.

Warren

Here is a link that might be useful: A few pictures

WW is correct I don't think that plant is for a newbe ...there are many goldish green JM's but most arn't redily available Although you being in CA....and they aren't totally golden BUT you may find one. My suggestion is to stick with a cultivar that is locally available and works in your area ..CA is a big state and we have no idea what part you are in.you may be in a JM primo area with lots of resources or not. To start out with a finiky plant is not a good idea stick with something easy to grow and then as you get more experienced you may want to give your wife a more finicky tree "a couple of B'days down the road. Us JM addicts do not want to see you OD on your first JM. David