Autumn Blaze® Freeman Maple

Acer × freemanii 'Jeffersred' (PP04864)

The Autumn Blaze® Freeman Maple is a highly popular and vigorous shade tree, a hybrid cross that artfully combines the fast growth and adaptability of the silver maple with the reliable strong structure and brilliant fall color of the red maple. It establishes quickly in the landscape, forming a dense, broad-oval crown that provides substantial shade. In summer, the deeply cut, five-lobed green leaves provide a classic texture, but the main feature arrives in autumn when they burst into a spectacular blaze of orange-red to scarlet-red, living up to their trade name. This tree’s resilience to urban conditions and a wide range of soil types makes it an excellent, low-maintenance specimen for lawns, parks, or street-side plantings.

Type

Tree

Height

-55

Width

-40

Origin

MO Native

Foliage Type

Deciduous

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Water Requirements

Average; best in well-drained, moist, organically rich soil, tolerates some drought once established

Foliage Color

Medium green in summer; vibrant orange-red to scarlet-red in fall

Flower Color

Reddish-green (insignificant)

Resists

Deer

Attracts

Bees
Birds
Pollinators

Design Use

Rain Garden / Wet Sites
Privacy / Screening

Special Traits

Fall Interest
Winter Interest
Pet Friendly

Hardiness Zones

3–8

Notes

Care: Pruning to a single, strong central leader when the tree is young is critical for optimal structure and future storm resistance. Prune in late winter or early spring before the sap starts to flow heavily.
Soil & Establishment: This adaptable tree tolerates the heavy clay soils prevalent in our area, as well as occasionally wet sites. Water regularly and deeply during the first two growing seasons to ensure a strong, established root system.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release tree and shrub fertilizer in early spring to support its rapid growth rate.
Pests & Diseases: Generally problem-free once established. Young plants can be susceptible to leafhoppers, scale, and borers.
Fruit/Berry Production: Flowers and fruit (winged samaras) are sparse on this cultivar.
Habitat: This is a hybrid cross; however, both parent species (Acer rubrum and Acer saccharinum) are native to Missouri and North America.
Wildlife: Early season flowers provide a valuable nectar source for emerging bees and other pollinators. The tree may also serve as a host plant for the Imperial Moth.
Plant Uses: Shade tree, specimen tree, street tree, privacy screen for large areas, naturalized areas.
Pet Safety: Maples (Acer spp.) can be toxic to horses if wilted leaves are ingested, but are generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA.