Acer rubrum Red Sunset - Maple

Acer rubrum Red Sunset, also known as Acer rubrum 'Franksred' and Acer rubrum Red Sunset ('Franksred'), is an excellent variety of Red Maple. Vigorous and fast-growing, it has a lovely symmetrical habit, which is pyramidal to ovoid and very dense. Its beautiful glossy green foliage turns bright orange-red at the first signs of cold. Its flowers, petioles, and fruits are also red. This medium-sized tree reaches about 15 m (49.2 ft) in height in our climates. Hardy and easy to maintain, it thrives in urban environments and will flourish in deep and moist, even wet soil. It will look magnificent when planted individually, where it will be appreciated for the beauty of its autumn foliage and pleasant shade.

Native to the Northeastern United States and Canada, Acer rubrum is known by different names depending on the region, such as Canadian Maple, Red Maple, or Virginia Maple. It is a large forest tree of the Sapindaceae family that can reach 30 m (98.4 ft) in height in its native habitat. This light and semi-shade species can live up to 200 years. Its wood is commonly used in furniture making.

Acer rubrum Red Sunset was selected in 1966 in the United States by J. Frank Schmidt & Son Nursery. It has a pyramidal to ovoid habit with balanced and erect branches. The deciduous foliage consists of larger palmate leaves compared to the typical species, divided into 3 to 5 pointed, dentate lobes, about 12 cm (4.7 in) long. They are carried on red petioles. When they emerge, the green leaves are tinged with red. They become bright green in summer, and then in autumn, they blaze with magnificent shades of orange to red, like a sunset.

Flowering occurs in March, before the leaves appear. The small red flowers are highly fragrant and attractive to pollinators, and are arranged in pendulous terminal clusters. The abundant fruiting consists of reddish fruits with two wings called samaras. It only appears on subjects at least 20 years old and is highly appreciated by squirrels. The bark of the twigs is grey to dark red. As it ages, it becomes dark grey and flakes off in large sheets.

Acer rubrum Red Sunset is a vigorous tree and is perfectly resistant to severe frosts. It thrives in deep and moist soil, preferably acidic and clayey, where its autumn colours will be more intense. A well-established specimen will tolerate poor and rocky soils, but limestone soils should be avoided. It will be majestic when planted individually in a park or a medium to large garden. It is an excellent shade tree thanks to its dense foliage. It can also be integrated into a mixed hedge. This cultivar is very sensitive to road salt and will not tolerate coastal winds well.

Attention: Although appetising, Red Maple leaves are highly toxic to horses.