Red Maple Tree
Varieties of the Red Maple Tree
One of the most beautiful fall displays occurs when a red maple tree erupts in fiery scarlet color. At a time when many other plants and trees are losing their summer color and leaves, the red maple step up to the plate to deliver an amazing array of color. There are several varieties of the red maple tree that are popular for landscapes; all exhibiting some degree of the red autumn brilliance.
October Glory is a prime example of brilliant color, with the reddest of reds displayed upon its branches at the onset of fall and lasting well into October. The red maple tree proves to be a very popular landscaping tree due to its fast growth, towering height of 40 to 50 feet tall and, of course, its vivid brightness in the fall. An easy tree to grow, it is often used in the landscaping of public parks, lining boulevards and long driveways.
Autumn Blaze Maple is a delightful hybrid, combining the strengths and best features of both the red maple and the silver maple. Its incredible color, resistance against disease, strong storms and insect infestations all add up to an increasingly popular choice in both the United States and other countries as well a landscape tree. The Autumn Blaze offers the additional bonus of having lovely and fragrance clusters of yellow flowers that appear in the spring before leafing begins. A fast grower, it is not uncommon to see this variety of red maple tree reaching 50 feet into the sky.
The Scarlet Red Maple tree brings springtime color as well as autumn color. Bright red flowers adorn the bare branches of this maple as springtime approaches; offering spots of color against the drab landscape winter has left behind. Green foliage extends along the heavily branched tree; providing dense shade against the hot summer sun. Fall extracts the full red of the leaves on the upright stature of the tree. The scarlet red maple tree does well in a variety of soil conditions, thrives in either full sun or part shade and is highly tolerant of drought.
All of these trees have wonderful qualities beyond the color, however. Red maples are used to extract sap for the making of maple syrup in many eastern and Midwestern states. While their sap is not quite as sweet as that of a sugar maple tree, it is still an excellent product. The red maple tree has a soft wood, out of which a number of different items can be made such as veneers, clothes hangers and certain pieces of furniture.
Any of the varieties of red maple tree provide beautiful landscape appeal, as well as many other attributes. There can be little wonder that this tree is considered one of the most popular for autumn color and general beauty.