Red Sunset Maple -2/2.5inch

Red Sunset Maple (Acer rubrum 'Franksred') 

Description:
Red Sunset Maple (Acer rubrum 'Franksred') is one of the most popular and reliable shade trees for vibrant fall color and year-round landscape appeal. Known for its fast growth and brilliant display, this medium to large deciduous tree features glossy green, star-shaped leaves that transform into fiery shades of red and orange weeks earlier than most other maples. In spring, the tree produces small, showy red flowers before the leaves emerge, adding early-season interest. Its strong, symmetrical branching and upright, rounded canopy make it ideal for lawns, streets, and park spaces. Red Sunset Maple is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, tolerant of heat, cold, and drought, and requires minimal maintenance once established.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Acer rubrum 'Franksred'

• Common Name: Red Sunset Maple, Red Maple

• Type: Deciduous shade tree

• Mature Height: 40–60 feet

• Mature Spread: 30–40 feet

• Growth Habit: Upright, rounded to oval canopy; symmetrical branching

• Foliage: Glossy green, star-shaped leaves; brilliant red to orange fall color

• Flower Color: Red, showy, early spring

• Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring

• Bark: Smooth and gray on young trees, becoming darker and furrowed with age

• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade (best color in full sun)

• Soil: Adaptable; prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils; tolerates clay, loam, and sand

• Water Needs: Moderate; moderately drought tolerant once established

• Hardiness Zones: USDA 3–9

• Maintenance: Very low; prune to develop strong structure as tree grows

• Resistances: Tolerant of heat, cold, and drought; strong branches resist wind and storm damage

• Wildlife: Attracts pollinators in spring; seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals

• Uses: Shade tree, street tree, specimen, lawn tree, park tree