Crimson King Maple

Botanical Name: Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’

Alternate Name: Crimson King Norway Maple

Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’ Norway Maple is a medium-sized deciduous tree which grows to reach around 40 feet in height and 35 feet in width. It makes a wonderful shade tree and develops a dense canopy of thick leaves. As its name suggests, the ‘Crimson King’ Norway Maple originates in Northern Europe and is therefore tolerant of very cold weather.

Crimson King Norway Maple has beautiful, large, deep maroon leaves that have the typical maple palmate shape with five pointed spikes. It is like having a fall color display in the spring and summer! The pleasing shape and color of this maple make it highly sought after. It makes a striking lawn tree in a moderately sized landscape.

In spring, the showy greenish-yellow flowers appear in April or May. They hang in clusters for a beautiful display, before the new leaves unfurl. Horizontally winged samaras follow the flowers, which can grow up to 2 inches in length.

The Crimson King Norway Maple is tough and is often used as a street tree because it can tolerate salt and pollution. It is also somewhat drought tolerant, another feature that is useful in an urban tree, as planting and root space can be limited. It also tolerates a wide range of soils, although it prefers good drainage.