Acer rubrum Redpointe - Maple

The Acer rubrum Redpointe is a variety of red maple that is particularly interesting because of its very uniform pyramidal shape, looking as if it had been pruned by hand, and its splendid bright, intense red autumn foliage.  In the garden, this beautiful tree quickly makes an impact and is highly resistant to cold and wind. It also shows excellent resistance to chlorosis, which often damages red maples when grown in high pH soils, turning the foliage yellow and often burning it in the heat of summer. It can be planted as a specimen tree on a lawn, in the centre of a bed, or on the edges of a property, in neutral to acid soil that remains moist even in summer.

Originating from the northeastern United States and Canada, the 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 belonging to the Aceraceae family that can reach a height of 30 m (98 ft 5 in) in its native habitat. This species, which thrives in light and semi-shade, can live up to 200 years. Its wood is commonly used in furniture making.

The Acer rubrum 'Redpointe' was selected in 2005 in the United States by J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. This cultivar develops a very vertical central leader and a dense pyramid to oval-shaped crown. The tree will ultimately reach an average height of 12 m (39 ft 4in) with a canopy of 6 to 7 m (19ft 8 in to 22ft 11in) in spread. The trunk is covered with grey bark that flakes off in large strips over time, while the branches are dark reddish-brown. The deciduous foliage falls in autumn. It consists of large palmate leaves, divided into 3 to 5 pointed, dentate lobes, measuring about 12 cm (4.7 in) in length. They are carried on red petioles. In spring, the yellow-green leaves are tinged with red. They become a glossy, dark green in summer, turning a magnificent scarlet-red with orange highlights in autumn. It flowers in March, before the leaves appear. The small, highly fragrant, red flowers are arranged in pendulous terminal clusters. The abundant fruiting consists of reddish fruits with two winged seeds or samaras. It only appears on subjects at least 20 years old and is much appreciated by squirrels. 

The Acer rubrum 'Redpointe', perfectly adapted to harsh climates, requires a deep, moist soil, preferably acidic and clayey, where its autumn colours will be more intense. A well-established specimen can tolerate poor and rocky soils, but chalky soils should be avoided. It will look magnificent planted in a row along a grand avenue or at the garden's boundary. It can also be integrated into an informal hedge, along with purple beech or orange Retz hornbeam. However, it is quite sensitive to salt and will have difficulty withstanding winds, especially maritime ones.