Description
In the nursery trade Autumn Flame Maple is noted as one of the first red maple cultivars to turn color. The red color comes on a week earlier than the popular Red Sunset cultivar.
Description:
This red maple cultivar grows to 40’- 60’ tall and as wide. This is a fast growing tree which develops a dense rounded shape. Leaves are star-shaped and green during the summer. Leaves are arranged in an opposite fashion and are simple. This cultivar was introduced in 1964 by A. McGill & Sons Nursery, Fairview, Oregon as a male tree, thus avoiding the problems with winged samaras.
Flowering begins in April. The flowers are red and not all that notable.
Young trees feature a smooth light gray bark which can split after a winter cold spell. Older trees have a dark gray, heavily furrowed bark.
Best Uses:
This species is well adapted to lower ground and can tolerate heavy, wet sites. It requires full sun to achieve the best in fall color. Avoid drought prone sites or those with excessive summer winds.