Acer platanoides ‘Royal Red’ – Royal Red Maple

Botanical Name: Acer platanoides ‘Royal Red’

Alternate Name: Royal Red Norway Maple

The Royal Red Maple (Acer platanoides ‘Royal Red’) has a beautifully rounded or oval-shaped canopy with densely growing branches that create a deep shape beneath the tree. This maple is therefore perfect for planting where a medium-sized shade tree is needed, with its height reaching to around 40 feet and its width around 35 feet. It has an elegantly straight trunk, which contributes to its graceful form.

Acer platanoides ‘Royal Red’ is similar to Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’ but with a redder, deep crimson leaf color. Some prefer the color of ‘Royal Red’ to ‘Crimson King’, but its growth rate is less vigorous.

Like other cultivars of Acer platanoides, this tree is hardy and adaptable to different soil types and tolerant of pollution and heat. These attributes make it a wonderful tree for urban settings, such as along avenues and larger streets.

The yellow-green flowers emerge on the bare twigs in April, borne in upright clusters. The contrast with the leaves as they grow in is striking. The foliage is a shiny red-purple that seems to shimmer in the sunlight. The flowers are followed by winged samaras about an inch and a half in size. The fall display is a rich deep purple. This tree is a show-stopper year round!