Acer rubrum L.

The upper side of an Acer rubrum leaf showing the glabrous triangular pointed lobes and larger central lobe. Winkworth Arboretum, West Sussex England in August 2017. Image Ron Kemeny.

The blue-white downy under side of the leaf of Acer rubrum in Winkworth Arboretum, West Sussex England in August 2017. Image Ron Kemeny.

The grey bark Acer rubrum in the The Ashdown Park Hotel, East Sussex, England in May 2017. Image Ron Kemeny.

Juvenile foliage on Acer rubrum growing at Arboretum Kalmthout, Belgium (15 May 2007). Image © Jan De Langhe - Arboretum Wespelaar.

Leaves of Acer rubrum also bear some resemblance to A.pseudoplatanus but the lamina is usually less deeply lobed and the central lobe has fewer secondary veins ending in the margin. Taken from a tree labelled A.rubrum 'Red Sunset' at Arboretum Hof ter Saksen, Belgium (28 June 2005). Image © Jan De Langhe - Arboretum Wespelaar.

The very reliable Acer rubrum 'October Glory' at the Yorkshire Arboretum, October 2020. Image John Grimshaw.

A clump of mature Red Maples planted for landscaping on the Castle Hill estate in Devon and flowering on 5th May 2007. Image Owen Johnson.

Autumn colour at the Bedgebury National Pinetum, Kent; 1st November 2007. In the UK the species' autumn display is seldom this bright. Image Owen Johnson.

A large Red Maple in autumn colour at Bedgebury Pinetum, Kent; 1st November 2007. Image Owen Johnson.

In the UK, where autumn colour often disappoints, Acer rubrum is perhaps at its most beautiful in mid spring, when the glistening crimson flowers just precede the new leaves. Exeter Crematorium, Devon; 5th May 2013. Image Owen Johnson.

Acer rubrum 'Tilford' was selected by Ed Scanlon for its neat habit in the United States, but was obtained by the Rural Life Museum which is located in Tilford, Surrey, where it has grown to 18 m. 14th October 2017. Image Owen Johnson.

Acer rubrum (Shawnee State Forest, Ohio, August 2022). Image John Grimshaw.

Bark on a mature Acer rubrum (Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, Minneapolis, August 2022). Image John Grimshaw.

Male flowers of Acer rubrum (Arboretum Wespelaar, Belgium, April 2013). Image John Grimshaw.

Female flowers of Acer rubrum – in this case the clone 'Red Sunset'. It is quite useful to know whether a cultivar is male or female. (Arboretum Wespelaar, Belgium, April 2013). Image John Grimshaw.

The bole of an old, large Acer rubrum at Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey, UK. 20 March 2024. Image Tom Christian.

Acer rubrum at Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey, UK. 20 March 2024. Image Tom Christian.

'Ablaze'

A selection introduced by Sarcoxie Nursery, Missouri, in 1974 (Jacobson 1996). It has a rounded crown and develops brilliant red autumn colour later than is typical for the species (van Gelderen et al. 1994). It was reported not to be available in Europe in 1994 (van Gelderen et al. 1994), which appears still to be the case.

'Autumn Flame'

Introduced in 1964–65 by A. McGill & Son nursery, Oregon, ‘Autumn Flame’ initially develops a narrow and upright crown, becoming more rounded with age, its ultimate dimensions still smaller than many other selections (Dirr & Warren 2019). Turning a reliable red and noted as one of the earliest Red Maple cultivars to turn (Jacobson 1996; Justice, in prep.), an Alabama study showed that perceived early colour was rather a more rapid transition from its summer green to autumn red (Jacobson 1996). With smaller leaves than typical, it is adapted to both heat and cold (Dirr & Warren 2019), though reportedly not fully hardy in the American Midwest (Hatch 2021–2022). A male clone (Jacobson 1996; Dirr & Warren 2019), it is present in Europe as well as North America (van Gelderen, de Jong & Oterdoom 1994).

'Autumn Glory'

Selected by M.W. Staples, of Kent, Ohio (van Gelderen, de Jong & Oterdoom 1994; Jacobson 1996). Grown in both North America and Europe, it develops a spreading crown with orange and red autumn colour (van Gelderen, de Jong & Oterdoom 1994; Jacobson 1996).

'Autumn Radiance'

A form of moderate growth and good, early, red autumn colour (Dirr & Warren 2019). Its origins are described only as ‘pre-1990’ by Jacobson (1996).

'Autumn Spire'

A male clone raised by H.M. Pellets from seed collected near Grand Rapids, Minnesota (Jacobson 1996), introduced in 1990 by Bailey Nurseries of the same state after twelve years of evaluation at the University of Minnesota (van Gelderen et al. 1994; Jacobson 1996). Developing an oval form, it is reported by Dirr and Warren (2019) to be the earliest commercial cultivar to colour in autumn, turning a good red. A slower grower, on account of being early to shut down in autumn, it is most useful in colder climates (Dirr & Warren 2019).

'Bailcraig'

This selection has an upright pyramidal form in youth but becomes broadly oval with age (Dirr & Warren 2019). Selected from Minnesota, it is faster growing than others from the region (e.g. ‘Autumn Spire’), though its autumn colour is average and shortlived (Dirr & Warren 2019).

'Bowhall'

A columnar clone renowned for its vibrant autumn colours, though somewhat particular in its requirements and not suited to urban soils (Dirr & Warren 2019). It was selected around 1946 by Scanlon Nursery, Ohio (Jacobson 1996), and named for the Cleveland road on which the original tree was growing (van Gelderen et al. 1994). Female, and thus a fruiting tree, its leaves turn yellow, orange, red or purple in autumn (Jacobson 1996; Justice, in prep.). ‘Scanlon’, with which ‘Bowhall’ is much confused, is derived from a sport from this tree (Jacobson 1996).

'Brandywine'

A selection made at the US National Arboretum, from a cross between ‘October Glory’ and Autumn Flame’ (Hatch 2021–2022). Male, it develops a pyramidal form, turning red and purple in autumn, later than many other cultivars (Dirr & Warren 2019; Schmidt & Son Co. 2023). ‘Brandywine’ also been noted to have shown good adaptability to the heat of the southern United States (Hatch 2021–2022; Schmidt & Son Co. 2023). It is widely grown in Europe as well as in North America (Edwards & Marshall 2019).

Acer rubrum 'Brandywine' (Cherry Tree Arboretum, Shropshire, UK. October 2022). Image John Grimshaw.

'Candy Ice'

A pink, white and green-leaved tree that scorches if grown in full sun (Mendocino Maples 2024). Described as a ‘semi dwarf’ by Hatch (2021–2022), the foliage turns yellow and orange in early autumn (Mendocino Maples 2024).

'Columnar Walters'

Selected by Richard Walters of Maplewood, New Jersey, and available by 1958 from Princeton Nursery of the same state (Jacobson 1996). Fast-growing, it has an upright form and good autumn colour, though the leaves are quick to drop (Jacobson 1996).

'Columnare'

An old cultivar, included by Bean (1976), who noted a tree that was featured in the 1894 edition of Garden and Forest (p.65, as A. saccharum), which grew on private land in Flushing, New York, then 25 m tall. Introduced by Parsons Nursery of Flushing, New York (Jacobson 1996), it has an upright form that is narrower than ‘Bowhall’ or ‘Scanlon’ (Justice, in prep.). Its leaves turn orange to deep red in autumn (Dirr & Warren 2019; Justice, in prep.). A tree at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Hampshire, UK was recorded as 22 m tall in 2013 (Edwards & Marshall 2019).

'Cumberland'

A compact, globose clone, selected at the US National Arboretum in 1986 from a batch of open pollinated seedlings from material gathered in Norris, Tennessee (Hatch 2021–2022). It has red autumn colour (Hatch 2021–2022).

'Curtis'

An upright, female clone with reddish new growth and red autumn colour (Hatch 2021–2022). It was introduced in 1949 by Vallou Curtis of Curtis Nusery, Callicoon, New York (Jacobson 1996).

'Davey'

A selection made by the Davey Tree Expert company, Ohio, that has been in circulation since the 1980s (Jacobson 1996). It is a slow growing, compact tree with small leaves that turn yellow to dark orange or red in autumn (Jacobson 1996). It is female, and noted as being hardier than most (Jacobson 1996).

'Doric'

Selected around 1960 by Scanlon Nursery, Ohio, and introduced in 1964 (Jacobson 1996), it makes a columnar tree, with glossy foliage that colours well in autumn (van Gelderen et al. 1994). It is grown in Europe as well as in North America (van Gelderen et al. 1994).

'Drake'

A selection named after Virgil James Drake of County Line Nursery, Hartford, Michigan and introduced by Schmidt Nursery, Oregon (Jacobson 1996). It is noted for its prolonged autumn colour, turning from green to violet then red and yellow (Jacobson 1996).

'Excelsior'

A selection with broad, pyramidal form, introduced in 1979–80 by Handy Nursery, Oregon (Jacobson 1996). It turns orange to red in autumn (Jacobson 1996).

'Fairview Flame'

Thought to be from the nursery of A. McGill & Son, Oregon, described in its 1991–92 catalogue (Jacobson 1996). A vigorous male clone, it has orange to deep red autumn colour (Jacobson 1996; Dirr & Warren 2019).

'Firzam'

A selection made by Lake County Nursery, Ohio, advertised as a ‘narrower, more pyramidal’ and ‘very hardy’ form of Acer rubrum (Lake County Nursery 2019).

'Frank Jr'

A J.F. Schmidt Nursery introduction in circulation largely as an Acer rubrum selection, though with characters of A. saccharinum and thus of somewhat disputed parentage. Though its consistent, early scarlet autumn colour suggests A. rubrum, the coarsely serrated, prominently lobed leaves indicate that A. saccharinum is likely in its parentage (Justice, in prep.). It is included here following Dirr & Warren (2019), consistent with placement in nursery catalogues. A popular seller at J.F. Schmidt Nursery, it has a pyramidal form with good branch structure and good vigour (Dirr & Warren 2019). Unlike many related selections, it reportedly does well in more alkaline soils, exhibiting more resistance to leaf chlorosis than other forms (Schmidt & Son Co. 2023). It is apparently sought after for planting on limestone in China (Dirr & Warren 2019), and is becoming popular in Europe.

'Franksred'

A selection dating from the 1940s, introduced in 1966 by J.F. Schmidt Nursery (Jacobson 1996). Reportedly the most commonly planted A. rubrum in North America during the 1970s and 80s (Jacobson 1996), it continues to be recommended particularly for the northern United States (Dirr & Warren 2019), where it provides long-lasting autumn colours in orange to red shades (Jacobson 1996). In southern states, its popularity has been superseded by ‘October Glory’ (Dirr & Warren 2019). Also grown in Europe, it is a female that develops a broad, oval crown (Jacobson 1996). Its name was was inspired by the 1960 song title Red sails in the Sunset (Jacobson 1996).

Female flowers (just past their best) of Acer rubrum ˋFranksred´ (Yorkshire Arboretum, UK, March 2024). Image John Grimshaw.

'Gerling'

Selected around 1950 by Scanlon Nursery, Ohio, and introduced in 1955–56, having been named for dendrologist Jake Gerling of Rochester, New York (Jacobson 1996). It has a broadly pyramidal habit, turning yellow to red in autumn (Jacobson 1996). This male clone is grown in Europe as well as North America (van Gelderen et al. 1994).

'Green Pillar'

A selection made for its compact, fastigiate to narrowly columnar habit (Hatch 2021–2022).

'Halka'

A fast growing clone, ultimately becoming a large tree with a rounded crown whose leaves turn yellow in autumn (Dirr & Warren 2019).

'HOSR'

Originating in South Carolina and selected for its deep red new growth (Dirr & Warren 2019), it is now grown in Europe as well as North America (Edwards & Marshall 2019). Suited to warmer climates, it develops a broad oval crown, its leaves turning yellow to orange in autumn (Dirr & Warren 2019).

'Jamestown'

Selected by T.D. Watkins III of Powhaten, Virginia, in 1993, as a sport of ‘Autumn Flame’ (Hatch 2021–2022). Faster growing than most selections, its leaves turn red in autumn (Hatch 2021–2022).

'Jinmaihong'

A Chinese selection with long-lived autumn colour, reportedly best in early November (Hatch 2021–2022).

'Jinse Qiutian'

Another Chinese selection that, like ‘Jinmaihong’, reportedly offers long-lasting autumn colour, turning golden brown (Hatch 2021–2022).

'Joseph'

A clone introduced by Vivai Sartori of Erba, Italy (Edwards & Marshall 2019). It is slow-growing, with an upright habit and yellow to red autumn colour (Edwards & Marshall 2019).

'Karpick'

A selection introduced before 1982 by Schichtel Nursery, New York, having been named for Frank E. Karpick, a former forester from Buffalo (Jacobson 1996). Its form is narrow, with a dense crown, broadening with age (Jacobson 1996; Dirr & Warren 2019). Male, its autumn colour range is yellow, orange and red (Jacobson 1996). It is noted as being favoured for streets and other amenity plantings in the UK (Edwards & Marshall 2019).

'Katie Cole'

Found growing among plants of ‘Franksred’ at Sunleaf Nursery, Madison, Ohio, it was selected for its vibrant red new growth (Hatch 2021–2022).

'Landsburg'

Discovered by Roger B. Landsburg in northern Minnesota and introduced by Bailey Nurseries in 1988, it develops an oval crown, with brilliant red autumn colour (Jacobson 1996). Though often listed under this species, it is also speculated to belong to A. × freemanii (Jacobson 1996).

'Magnificent Magenta'

A selection introduced by Heritage Trees of Jacksonville, Illinois (Hatch 2021–2022), the original tree came from Kansas (Dirr & Warren 2019). It has smaller leaves and later colour than is typical for Acer rubrum, and it tolerates less moisture and higher pH soils than most (Dirr & Warren 2019). The foliage flushes red, turning dark green then a lasting deep red in autumn (Schmidt & Son Co. 2023).

'Northwood'

Found by L. Snyder as a seedling near Floodwood, Minnesota and introduced by Bailey Nurseries (Hatch 2021–2022). One of the first Minnesota selections, it is still considered one of the best by Dirr & Warren (2019). Fast-growing (faster than ‘Autumn Spire’), it develops a rounded crown to around 15 m tall (Edwards & Marshall 2019). A male clone, its leaves turn orange in autumn, though it doesn’t do well on alkaline soils nor in hot, dry areas (Hatch 2021–2022). ‘Northwood’ was introduced to the UK in around 1980 (Edwards & Marshall 2019).

'October Brilliance'

A little-grown cultivar of unknown origin dating from before 1982 (Jacobson 1996). It develops a tight crown, with foliage emerging later than typical Acer rubrum, with red to orange autumn colour (Jacobson 1996).

'October Glory'

Introduced by Princeton Nursery, New Jersey, in 1961–62 (Jacobson 1996), ‘October Glory’ has become one of the most widely-grown Acer rubrum selections on both sides of the Atlantic. Female (Jacobson 1996), it is noted for being somewhat late to colour; ‘November Glory’ might have been a more apt name (e.g. Dirr & Warren 2019). Dependable though, it turns a good scarlet and develops a rounded crown.

Older and younger specimens of Acer rubrum ˋOctober Glory´ at the Yorkshire Arboretum, UK, where it consistently produces a long-lasting display of autumn colour (late October 2023). Image John Grimshaw.

'Oktoberfest'

Introduced c. 1991–92 by Moller Nursery of Gresham, Oregon, its leaves turn deep red in autumn (Jacobson 1996).

'Olson'

A notably hardy clone from Brainerd, Minnesota and introduced around 1990 by Bailey Nurseries (Hatch 2021–2022). It has a broadly oval to rounded habit, with vigorous growth and is somewhat open when young (Hatch 2021–2022). A female, its leaves turn yellow, orange and red in autumn (Dirr & Warren 2019).

'Phipps Farm'

Introduced by Weston Nursery, Massachusetts around 1973 and named for their Phipps Farm Nursery (Jacobson 1996). Broadly pyramidal to rounded in habit, it is noted for its long lasting yellow to red autumn colours (Jacobson 1996; Hatch 2021–2022). It was reported as rare, possibly lost by Jacobson (1996), though plants may still exist in gardens.

'Polara'

Introduced in the 1990s by Chicagoland Grows^® inc. (Jacobson 1996) from a seedling selected by Wood River Nursery, Wisconsin (Hatch 2021–2022). It is notably hardy, drought tolerant and has a strong branching structure (Jacobson 1996).

'Red King'

An upright cutivar of Italian origin, introduced by Fratelli Gilardelli in 1988 (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999). Autumn colour is reported to be a good crimson to orange red (van Gelderen & van Gelderen 1999).

'Red Rocket'

A columnar form that retains its shape into maturity, introduced by the United States National Arboretum (Hatch 2021–2022), from Minnesota-sourced material (Dirr & Warren 2019). It makes for a good choice for narrow streets, and has a slower growth rate than other columnar clones (Dirr & Warren 2019). Its leaves turn orange and red in autumn (Schmidt & Son Co. 2023).

'Red Skin'

Introduced by Schichtel Nursery of Orchard Park, New York (Jacobson 1996). It has a rounded form (Jacobson 1996), with dark red autumn colour that appears earlier than typical for the species (Hatch 2021–2022).

'Red Super Sonic'

A narrow, upright tree suited to small spaces (Sooner Plant Farm 2024). It has orange and red autumn colour and is considered by Sooner Plant Farm, who introduced it, to be an improvement on ‘Red Rocket’ (Sooner Plant Farm 2024).

'Sanguineum'

One of the first named selections of the species (Hatch 2021–2022), suspected no longer to be in cultivation by van Gelderen et al. (1994). The original grew at the Jardin des Plantes, Paris (Bean 1976), with flowers vibrant red and leaves glaucous green beneath and somewhat more pubescent than in the type (Bean 1976). It may have belonged to var. drummondii.

'Scanlon'

Treated as synonymous with ‘Bowhall’ by Dirr & Warren (2019), and often confused with that selection. Though derived from a branch sport of ‘Bowhall’, ‘Scanlon’ develops a denser, more uniform crown and is more prone to fasciated branching (Justice, in prep.). It is a fruiting clone (as is ‘Bowhall’), and colours well in autumn in shades of orange red and purple (Justice, in prep.).

Acer rubrum 'Scanlon' at Arboretum Wespelaar, Belgium, with autumn advancing fast on 5 October 2022. Image Tom Christian.

'Schlesingeri'

A clone selected in the United States for its brilliant, and early autumn colour. Dosmann (2009) described ‘Schlesingeri’ as ‘autumn’s harbinger’, with tints observed in August and the entire tree in full colour from early September, usually holding into October.

‘Schlesingeri’ was found by Professor Sargent in his neighbour’s grounds in Brookline, Massachusetts – a Mr Barthold Schlesinger – from which material was accessioned at the Arnold Arboretum in 1888, and a tree subsequently planted on Meadow Road, though this was in decline by 2009 (Dosmann 2009). Reputed to be the oldest Acer rubrum selection (Dirr & Warren 2019), it was first put into commerce in Europe, rather than in the United States, by Späth’s nurseries, who listed it in their 1896–1897 catalogue (Dosmann 2009). Material was again distributed to nurseries in 1951, from whence its availability in North America increased (Dosmann 2009), though in more recent years plants sold under the name have proved not to be true ‘Schlesingeri’, including plants accessioned at the Arnold and since removed (Dosmann 2009). Repropagation has enabled the original tree to be replaced and further material distributed to nurseries, so that authentic ‘Schlesingeri’ may be found in nurseries again (Dosmann 2009). However, the cultivar has become less popular than it once was in the United States having been superseded by more recent selections (Hatch 2021–2022).

Acer rubrum 'Schlesingeri' at Arboretum Cimetière Parc, Nantes, France. Here, on 8 October 2023, the autumn colour was far from spectacular. Image Tom Christian.

Rather muted autumn colour on Acer rubrum 'Schlesingeri' at Arboretum Cimetière Parc, Nantes, France. 8 October 2023. Image Tom Christian.

'Schocking Gold'

A selection with golden spring and summer foliage. It was discovered by North Carolinian plantsman Richard Schock in Boonville, North Carolina, and subsequently shared with Plant Delights Nursery in 1993, who named the selection after its discoverer (Plant Delights Nursery Inc. 2018). Of upright stature in youth, its leaves turns yellow, orange and red in autumn (Broken Arrow Nursery 2022). It is sometimes listed under the erroneous name ‘Shocking Gold’, but the play on the name of its discoverer is correct.

'Shade King'

A male clone introduced by Handy Nursery, Oregon in around 1973 (Hatch 2021–2022). It has an upright oval habit, with leaves that turn yellow to red in autumn (Hatch 2021–2022).

'Snow Fire'

A variegated clone, the leaves mottled white, with pinkish new growth (Hatch 2021–2022).

'Somerset'

The result of a cross between ‘October Glory’ and ‘Autumn Flame’ made at the US National Arboretum in 1982; it became commercially available in 1994 (Hatch 2021–2022). It has a pyramidal habit and good branch structure, with leaves turning red in autumn (Dirr & Warren 2019). It was bred for resistance to potato leaf hopper as well as improved autumn colour (Edwards & Marshall 2019), and is now grown in Europe as well as in North America.

Male flowers of Acer rubrum 'Somerset' (Yorkshire Arboretum, March 2024). Image John Grimshaw.

'Sun Valley'

A male clone resulting from a cross between ‘Franksred’ and ‘Autumn Flame’ made at the US National Arboretum (Schmidt & Son Co. 2023). Slow growing, with ultimate dimensions smaller than most Acer rubrum, it develops a uniform, oval crown (Schmidt & Son Co. 2023; Dirr & Warren 2019). Autumn colour is orange to red, and stronger in northern states than further south in the United States (Dirr & Warren 2019).

Male flowers of Acer rubrum ˋSun Valley´ (Yorkshire Arboretum, UK, March 2024). Image John Grimshaw.

'Territorial'

A small-leaved selection introduced by T.H. Belcher Nursery of Boring, Oregon around 1991 (Hatch 2021–2022). It has a rounded habit and red autumn colour (Hatch 2021–2022).

'Tilford'

Selected around 1949 by Scanlon nursery, Ohio, and named two years later for plant pathologist Dr. Paul E. Tilford of Wooster, Ohio (Jacobson 1996). It makes a large tree with a pyramidal or rounded crown, requiring ample space for good development (van Gelderen et al. 1994). Grown in Europe and North America, it is recommended for coastal areas in Europe alongside ‘October Glory’ (van Gelderen et al. 1994).

var. drummondii (Hook. & Arn.) Sarg.

Not to be confused with the widely-grown Acer platanoides cultivar ‘Drummondii’, planted individuals of this Acer rubrum variety are far less frequently encountered than those of the type, including its great many horticultural selections. There are a small number of cultivars that are attributed to this variety, as indicated by their inclusion here.

'WW Warren'

Of fastigiate form with strong red autumn colour, well suited to streets and other restricted spaces (Schmidt & Son Co. 2023).

'Yanhong'

A Chinese selection reportedly with long-lasting, bright red, autumn colour (Hatch 2021–2022).