Hey - google "Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum'"....I'm sure you will find mail-order sources.

High end nurseries here in CA have these in stock usually....they are pricier than other japanese maples.

When you find one BE CAREFUL especially in your pretty hot area...they need alot of shade or they will burn and defoliate but too much shade and they will not have the brilliance....If you plan on putting it in full sun or mostly sun I would not GO THERE...at least that has been my limited experience ( they also seem to be VERY water sensitive ...to much easily kills them too little and they shrivil up ...a fine ballance) hope your up for a challenge although many folks have successfully grown them ...maybe they are just better JM'rs than me or just lucky ;>) or just not as hot or strong sun... David

I also live in Zone 7b, and have an Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' that is doing very well. [Knock on Wood]. It is in a container, and I have it behind some of my other larger maples so it gets dappled light until 1:00 pm, and then full afternoon shade as there is a shed behind it. I guess it gets enough light because it still has the gorgeous light lime colored leaves. I always check the soil before I water this one, You don't want it too wet, or too dry, and I haven't had any problems with this tree other than the grasshoppers loving it too. I also have the other Full Moon Maple, and it seems to grow a little faster and it is more tolerant to heat, and it gets more light than the Aureum. The leaves are very simular, it is a beautiful tree but the leaves are a different shade of green. I am kinda new to Japanese Maples, and I have several finicky maples that are doing great...so maybe some ignorance is bliss. You might try Eastwood Nurseries, they are located in VA. -Ivy

Here is a link that might be useful: App-A-Lot Ranch

I just bought two from Whitman farms (Oregon). They were $50.00 each which is much cheaper than many of the otehr mail order sites I've seen. They were about 1/4 inch caliper. One is about 16" but quite full, the other is 2 1/2 feet. Lucille is the contact person..nice, helpful..originally from atlanta I believe so yopu have the southern connection (I lived in Chapel Hill for 11 years)

If you're up for a drive to middle TN, you may be able to find one at a great price from Gum Tree Farm - they're having a huge 50% sale and he had a couple of Aureums last time I was over there and their regular prices are better than most - Give Robert a call and see if he has any left....check the link:

Here is a link that might be useful: GumTree