Acer rubrum 'October Glory'
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Tried and True Recommended by 10 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: red maple
Type: Tree
Family: Sapindaceae
Zone: 4 to 9
Height: 40 to 50 feet
Spread: 30 to 40 feet
Bloom Time: March
Bloom Color: Red
Bloom Description: Red
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Good Fall Color
Tolerates: Wet Soil, Air Pollution
Uses: Rain Garden, Shade Tree, Street Tree

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, acidic soils with good drainage.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Acer rubrum is a deciduous, Missouri native tree that will typically grow 40-60’ tall with a rounded to oval crown. It grows faster than Norway and sugar maples, but slower than silver maple. In northern states, red maple usually occurs in wet bottomland, river flood plains and wet woods, but in Missouri it typically frequents drier, rocky upland areas. Sap of this tree can be used to make maple syrup that is inferior in quality to syrups made from the sugar maple. ‘October Glory’ is a female cultivar that, as the cultivar name suggests, is perhaps best noted for its exceptional fall color. It grows to 40-50’ tall with an oval rounded form. Attractive red flowers appear in early spring before the foliage emerges. Flowers give way to red-tinged samaras (to 1 1/2” long). Glossy dark green leaves with red stems have 3-5 lobes and are 3-6” across. Leaves retain good green color well into fall (longer than many other A. rubrum cultivars), and in more northern areas are sometimes subjected to frost prior to acquiring fall color. Orange to red fall color for this cultivar is brilliant in most years. U. S. Plant Patent PP2116 issued in 1961.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Leafhoppers can cause substantial damage to foliage in some areas. Watch for aphids, borers and scale. Verticillium wilt attacks the vascular system and can be fatal. Canker, fungal leaf spot and root rots may also occur. Wind and ice may break some branches.

Garden Uses

Specimen tree for the lawn, street or park. Narrow form may be an asset in certain areas. It is of note that this tree has a shallow root system that may buckle nearby sidewalks or driveways if planted too close.

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