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 Maple 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 of the Autumn Blaze Maple 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.