Autumn Blaze Maple thrives in hot or cold climates

Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer x freemanii 'Jeffersred')is a recent introduction that lives up to its name, exhibiting brilliant and long-lasting orange-red fall color. This widely adaptable tree appears to thrive in cold as well as hot areas, showing a remarkable tolerance for varying climates. Autumn Blaze Maple ranked among the best performers for growth and fall color display in the Southeastern United States, according to Auburn University research reported in the March 1995 issue of the Journal of Environmental Horticulture. In a study initiated in 1988, 'Autumn Blazer' showed no difficulty in adapting to the heat of the Southeastern United States.

Adaptability of this hybrid maple is further evidenced by results of our own "Trial Pack" plantings. In 1991, 'Autumn Blaze Maples were sent out for field testing to 46 sites scattered across the U.S. (including Maine, Minnesota, Georgia, Kansas, California, and 40 sites in between). Each year, positive evaluations have been received, noting its fast growth, good form, and excellent fall color that develops quite reliably. No winter damage has been reported, even where winter temperatures have plunged to -32 degrees F.

This Acer freemanii hybrid deserves to be more widely planted, as it combines the best characteristics of its parents, Red and Silver Maples.

The Red Maple parent contributes a well-balanced branching habit. Increased tolerance to drought and poor soil conditions inherited from the Silver Maple parent makes Autumn Blaze a good alternative to Red Maple on either end of the range where that species thrives. This adaptable hybrid is rated hardy to USDA Zone 3. Use it as a Red Maple for tough sites, or as a Silver Maple with fantastic fall color.

Summer foliage is medium green. Autumn Blaze Maple develops a broadly oval crown at maturity, reaching an approximate height of 50 feet and spread of 40 feet in 30 years under average landscape conditions.