Knowledgebase

What's this Maple??? Tree #217834

Asked October 21, 2014, 3:44 PM EDT

This tree is becoming popular in Cody, Wyoming. Very pretty red coloring this fall. Pictures show branch structure, bark and leaves. There seems to be some variation in leaf shape on the same tree. We like the fact that the tree seems to be rather columnar and would perhaps do well in a narrow area. We're Zone 4 here and these trees seem to be doing well. Thought the tree was a maple, but we're not sure. Someone told us it was an Amur maple but the shape does not seem to be correct. Would really like to know what it is. Thank you for your attention. Elaine Tabacinski

Park County Wyoming

Expert Response

I can't say for sure exactly which cultivar it is, but I can give you my best guess.  You are correct that it is a maple, and that it is not Amur maple.  I believe it is Acer Xfreemanii 'Autumn Blaze'.  It is actually a hybrid of red maple and silver maple.  While it is quite narrow now, it will probably take on a more oval-rounded head with maturity.

The only way to know for sure what cultivar of maple it is, is to talk to the owners and see if they know what it was identified as in the nursery.

Thanks for sending good pictures!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 21, 2014, 6:39 PM EDT
Thanks a lot. My first thoughts were that it was a silver maple but the leaves do not have a silver underside nor would I have expected the vibrant red fall coloring if it were a silver maple.. We have a small property and are considering planting one, so, thanks for the info.
Elaine Tabacinski
The Question Asker Replied October 22, 2014, 12:48 AM EDT

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