Culture
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best in fertile, slightly acidic, moist soils in full sun. Grows poorly in compacted, poorly drained soils.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Sugar Maple is a large, deciduous tree with ascending branching, typically growing 60-75’ (less frequently to 100’) tall with a dense rounded crown. It is native to central and eastern North America. In Missouri, it typically occurs in rocky woodlands, along streams, wooded slopes, bluff bases and glade margins throughout the state (Steyermark). Tree sap may be tapped for maple syrup (saccharum means sugar). The sugar maple leaf is the national symbol of Canada. 'Bailsta' is a patented cultivar that is sold under the trademark name of FALL FIESTA . It was selected in August of 1987 from a seedling block of Acer saccharum trees growing at Bailey Nursery, Inc. at Yamhill, Oregon. In comparison to species plants, FALL FIESTA is noted for its (1) vigorous and rapid growth rate, (2) upright, rounded, symmetrical form, (3) thick, leathery, glossy, deep green leaves with waxy upper surfaces and more truncate bases, (4) good resistance to leaf tatter and leaf scorch, (5) good resistance to summer heat, wind and drought, (6) fall color featuring more oranges and reds and (7) excellent winter hardiness. Leathery, dark green leaves (each to 6” long) turn excellent shades of yellow, orange and scarlet in fall. Pale yellowish-green flowers appear in clusters in spring before the leaves emerge. Flowers give way to clusters of paired samaras. U. S. Plant Patent PP11,119 was issued on November 9, 1999.
Plant of Merit
FALL FIESTA describes the excellent yellow, orange and red fall color of this vigorous, rapid-growing sugar maple that matures over time to 60-75 feet tall with an upright rounded form. Distinctive, deeply-lobed, leathery, glossy, dark green leaves to 6 inches long have good resistance to leaf tatter and leaf scorch. Trees exhibit good tolerance to summer heat and drought.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptible to verticillium wilt, anthracnose, cankers, leaf spot and tar spot. Also susceptible to aphids, borers and scale.