Acer × freemanii 'Jeffersred' (Autumn Blaze® Maple)
Overview
Uses: Shade tree, street tree, specimen planting, and large landscape centerpiece.
Benefits: Renowned for its brilliant fall color, fast growth, and adaptability. Combines the best traits of red and silver maples—offering stunning scarlet foliage with excellent tolerance to varying soil conditions and climates.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 – 8
Life Cycle: Deciduous tree
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Mature Height: 40' – 55'
Mature Width: 30' – 40'
Growth Rate: Fast
Summary
The Autumn Blaze® Maple (Acer × freemanii 'Jeffersred') is one of America’s most popular hybrid maples—celebrated for its fiery scarlet-red fall display and vigorous growth habit. This hybrid combines the hardiness and rapid growth of the Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) with the vibrant color and strong branching of the Red Maple (Acer rubrum).
In early spring, it produces subtle red flower clusters that give way to lush green foliage throughout summer. As temperatures cool, its canopy transforms into an unforgettable blaze of orange-red to crimson hues. It’s exceptionally well-shaped, with a symmetrical oval form and upright branching that holds up well even in windy conditions.
Tolerant of a wide range of soil types and resistant to leaf scorch, this maple performs beautifully in urban and suburban settings alike. It’s a superb choice for adding year-round structure and brilliant seasonal color to larger landscapes.
Care
Autumn Blaze® Maple Care
Plant your Autumn Blaze® Maple in full sun for best color and shape. It thrives in a variety of soils—from sandy to clay—as long as they’re well-draining. Avoid sites that remain waterlogged after rain.
Water deeply and regularly during the first few growing seasons to establish a strong root system. Once established, it tolerates moderate drought and occasional flooding.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer each spring to promote steady growth and vibrant leaf color. You can use our slow release fertilizer for best results.
Minimal pruning is required—just remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Size
Size of Autumn Blaze® Maple for Sale Online
Our Acer × freemanii 'Jeffersred' trees are greenhouse and field-grown with strong central leaders and well-established root systems. Each tree will be appropriately sized for its container or root ball. For current sizing and availability, please contact us.
Size of Autumn Blaze® Maple When Fully Grown
Expect mature Autumn Blaze® Maples to reach heights of 40'–55' and spreads of 30'–40'. Their rounded to oval canopy provides excellent shade while maintaining strong, upright form and color consistency.
Additional Information
Does Autumn Blaze® Maple produce seeds?
No. Unlike many other maples, Autumn Blaze® Maple is largely sterile and does not produce messy seed pods (samaras), making it a clean, low-maintenance choice for landscapes.
When does Autumn Blaze® Maple show color?
Brilliant fall color typically develops from mid-October through early November, varying slightly by region and temperature patterns.
Is Autumn Blaze® Maple a good street tree?
Yes. Its strong branching, fast establishment, and pollution tolerance make it ideal for street or front-yard plantings where durability and show-stopping color are desired.
