Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’ – October Glory® Maple

Botanical Name: Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’

Alternate Name: October Glory® Red Maple

The October Glory® Maple is a female cultivar of Acer rubrum or Red Maple, prized for its striking fall foliage color. It generally retains its fall display longer than other cultivars. This tree is a fast-growing deciduous maple which grows to a height of 40-50 feet with a 25-35 feet spread. It has an upright growth habit with an elegant oval or rounded crown. The branches are somewhat dense, making it a wonderful shade tree.

October Glory® Maple develops attractive red flowers on the branches in spring, before the foliage leafs out. The shiny, deep green leaves fill out the canopy later in the spring. They are approximately 3-6 inches in size, with 3 to 5 lobes and distinctive bright red petioles. Red winged samaras develop after the flowers, growing to a length of 1.5 inches, creating a beautiful contrast with the leaves.

October Glory® is on track for its fall display in October, when its leaves radiate with fiery orange and red tones like a bonfire.

This maple tolerates many different soil types. It prefers acidic, wet, or moist, well-drained soils. It also grows well in urban settings with some air pollution, although can be problematic as a street tree with its shallow roots pushing up sidewalks.