Tree of the Week - May 24, 2004

Red Maple

Acer rubrum--Red Maple, Swamp Maple 



Cultivars: In recent years trees have been propagated by softwood cutting to overcome graft incompatibilities that were a problem in the past. The cultivars listed as A. x Freemanii are hybrids between A. rubrum (Red Maple) and A. saccharinum (Silver Maple). The Freemanii maples offer faster growth- like the Silver - and strength of branching - like the Red. 

 
'Armstrong'(A. x freemanii) - A fast-growing, very narrow tree with ascending branches often used for street planting. 


Autumn Flame ® - One of the most reliable and first Red Maples to color in the fall. The tree grows more slowly and has smaller leaves than most other cultivars. 


'Celzam' (Celebration ®) (PP7279)(A. x freemanii) - A compact, pyramidal, seedless tree with red and yellow fall color. The tree reaches a height and spread of 15 feet and may be clipped for use as hedge. 


'Franksred' (Red Sunset ®) - Developed by Frank Schmidt, Jr., this is a vigorous tree with a symmetrical branching pattern and a lovely round outline.  The foliage is brilliant red and orange-red in the fall. 


'Jeffersred' (Autumn Blaze ®)(PP4864) (A. x freemanii) - The dense, oval crown consists of ascending branches, and its fast growth rate provides shade even in young landscapes. The outstanding orange-red fall color is combined with both drought and water tolerance. 


Karpick ® - Narrow when young, becoming oval with age, another Red Maple useful as a street tree. 

'Magnificent Magenta' (Burgundy Belle ®)(PP7222) - A rounded tree reaching a height and spread of about 45 feet. In the fall, the leaves turn bright red and then change to burgundy. 


October Glory ® - A round-headed selection that is the last of the cultivars to color in the fall. It seems to have less cold tolerance than other cultivars and is best used in areas with mild winters and hot summers.  

Check out more trees from the Tree of the Week Archive.