Freeman Maple

Acer x freemanii

Leaves: Deciduous. Leaves are 3 to 5 inches long with 3 to 5 deep lobes and sharp edges with a narrow center similar to a silver maple leaf. Medium green leaf color.  Beautiful fall colors from yellows, oranges, and deep reds depending on the variety.

Bark/Twigs: Whitish to light silver-gray bark. Smooth and thin on young branches becoming slightly furrowed and darker with age. Has unique red-brown twigs in winter, creating some interest.

Flowers/Fruit: Inconspicuous clusters of red flowers bloom in early spring. Some cultivars do not produce seeds. When present, the winged seeds (samara) form in pairs and look more like the silver maple seed.

Mature size and shape: Large. 45 to 60 feet high x 20 to 40 feet wide depending on the cultivar. Upright oval, columnar, or pyramidal in youth, broadening with age depending on the variety.

General information/special features: Plant in full sun for best fall color. Prefers well-drained soil, but can withstand urban environments and poor soil. Does have a shallow root system.

Landscape use and maintenance: Good as a shade tree or street tree. Medium growing rate. Average maintenance. Combines the good form and excellent color from the red maple and the faster growth and tolerance of adverse conditions from the silver maple. It is less chlorotic in Utah soils than either of its parents. Readily transplanted. Avoid pruning in the spring to reduce "bleeding" sap. 'Autumn Blaze' is a popular cultivar that does ok in Utah and is somewhat drought tolerant.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 7

Family/Origin: Aceraceae – Maple. A hybrid of the red and silver maples (A. rubrum x A. saccharinum) Both are native to the Eastern and Central US.

Campus Use: Somewhat uncommon. Can be found in President's Circle.