Acer x freemanii ‘Jeffersred’ – Autumn Blaze® Maple

Botanical Name: Acer x freemanii ‘Jeffersred’

Alternate Name: Autumn Blaze® Freeman Maple

The Autumn Blaze® Maple (Acer x freemanii ‘Jeffersred’) is a fast-growing deciduous maple. As this tree matures, it develops a beautifully-shaped oval or pyramidal crown with upright, densely spaced scaffold branches. Autumn Blaze® is a cross between a Red Maple (Acer rubrum) and a Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum). It grows to a height of 40-55 feet and a width of 30-40 feet.

This stunning maple is said to have all the best qualities from its parent trees. From the Red Maple – its hardiness, graceful growth habit and reliable, vibrant fall color. From the Silver Maple – its fast growth rate and ability to adapt to the site conditions. Acer x freemanii ‘Jeffersred’ is named after Oliver M. Freeman who developed this hybrid in the 1930s.

The leaves are mid-green, with 5 deeply divided lobes. This hybrid often does not bloom or develop seeds, or if it does, they are sparse. The leaves provide a stunning spectacle in the fall, living up to their name and turning illuminated shades of orange red and crimson.

Once established, the Autumn Blaze® Maple has some tolerance for drought conditions, making it suitable for use as a street tree. This tree is not susceptible to any serious diseases or insect pests.