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Freeman maple

Scientific Name: Acer ×freemanii

Family: Aceraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Freeman Maple (Acer x freemanii)

The Freeman maple is a hybrid of the red maple (Acer rubrum) and the silver maple (Acer saccharinum). It is widely planted as a street and parkway tree, prized for its vibrant fall color and adaptability.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant can grow to be a large tree.
  • The leaves have sharply pointed lobes.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acer x freemanii
  • Common Names: Freeman maple, Freeman's maple
  • Family: Aceraceae
  • The name Acer x freemanii is applied to all hybrids between Acer saccharinum (Silver Maple) and Acer rubrum (Red Maple).

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Freeman maple is a naturally occurring hybrid where the ranges of its parent species, the red maple and silver maple, overlap.
  • Both parent species are native to Minnesota and the eastern United States.
  • It is commonly found along streets.
  • Well-suited to Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Deciduous tree with brilliant red-orange fall color.
  • Mature height typically ranges from 45 to 80 feet, with a spread of 25 to 50 feet, depending on the cultivar.
  • Shape varies by cultivar, but generally upright branching and broadly oval.
  • Leaves are deeply cut, lobed, and dark green in summer, turning fiery red in autumn. Leaves are typically 4 to 6 inches long, with 3 to 5 coarsely toothed, sharply pointed lobes. The leaf shape can resemble either the red maple or silver maple.
  • Tolerant of heavy soils.

Cultivars

  • 'Autumn Blaze' (Acer x freemanii 'Jeffersred') is a popular cultivar known for its superior fall color, unexcelled growth rates, leafhopper tolerance, and adaptability.
  • 'Armstrong' is another cultivar, known for its fast growth (reaching 60-70 feet) and tall, narrow habit.

Quirky Facts

  • The Freeman Maple combines the wonderful fall color typically found in red maples with the hardiness and ease of growing characteristic of silver maples.

Additional Information

  • Dave's Garden is referenced as a resource for gardening tips and information.
  • Chicagoland Grows is mentioned as a source for information on ornamental plants.