Acer rubrum Schocking Gold - Red Maple

Acer rubrum 'Shocking Gold' is a variety of red maple notable for its foliage of bright golden yellow in spring and flamboyant colours in autumn. It has a slow growth rate and eventually forms a tree of beautiful stature. It is best suited for parks or large gardens, in full sun.

Native to the Northeastern United States and Canada, the Acer rubrum is known by various names depending on the region, such as Canadian Maple, Red Maple, or Virginia Maple. It is a large forest tree belonging to the Sapindaceae family (formerly Aceraceae). The Canadian Maple can reach a height of 30 metres in its native habitat. This light and semi-shade loving species can live up to 200 years. It is very hardy (down to -30°C or even lower), but it does not tolerate wind and thrives in deep and moist soil, preferably acidic and clayey, where its autumn colours will be more intense. Its wood is commonly used in furniture making.
Acer rubrum 'Shocking Gold' was discovered around 1993 in North Carolina (USA) by Richard Schock, not far from his home in Boonville. The tree initially has an upright habit in its youth, and then its canopy widens, rounds, and becomes denser like that of the species. It has a rather slow growth rate. It will reach a height of 10 to 15 metres at the age of 25. Its bark is smooth and grey when young, but it cracks and flakes with age, revealing lighter layers underneath. The leaves are opposite on the branches and usually simple, although some may be trilobed or palmate, with three to five shallow lobes. They are oval to obovate, with a rounded base and a pointed apex. Their margin is regularly toothed, with fine and sharp teeth. They are smooth and slightly leathery, borne on sturdy reddish petioles. The colour of the leaves changes throughout the seasons: in spring, they emerge a bright yellow, then turn almost chartreuse in summer. In autumn, they take on shades ranging from yellow to red and orange before falling. This maple is appreciated for its reddish flowers in spring, followed by winged samaras that mature in summer.

Acer rubrum 'Shocking Gold' is an ornamental tree that can be used in various ways in large gardens. Its sunny colour is perfect for creating a focal point. It can be planted as a specimen tree on a lawn, where it will attract attention from spring to autumn. This maple can also be incorporated into a grove or a large hedge. To highlight its golden foliage, you can associate it with trees or large shrubs with purple foliage such as 'Black Lace' Elderberry 'Black Lace'. Plants like blue perennial geraniums or blue bellflowers, planted at its base, will create a contrasting carpet with the golden foliage of this maple. Acer rubrum 'Shocking Gold' can also be used to create spectacular autumn scenes by combining it with other trees and shrubs with colourful autumn foliage. Plants like sweetgum, Nyssa sylvatica, Persian Ironwood, or alternate-leaved dogwood will offer a symphony of autumn colours alongside this maple.

Finally, you can plant Acer rubrum 'Shocking Gold' in rows along a path or driveway, where it will create a golden arch and provide shade in summer.