The Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer x freemanii ‘Jeffersred’) is a popular hybrid that features qualities of both red and silver maples. It is known for its brilliant scarlet-red foliage that turns late fall. Here are some key features of the Autumn Blaze Maple:

Fall Foliage: One of the most outstanding features of this maple cultivar is its vibrant fall foliage. The leaves turn stunning shades of scarlet red and orange, providing a striking display.

Size: The Autumn Blaze Maple is a medium to large-sized tree. It typically reaches a height of 40 to 50 feet with a spread of 30 to 40 feet, creating a rounded to oval-shaped canopy.

Leaves: The leaves are simple, opposite, and typically have five lobes. They are green during the growing season but undergo a spectacular transformation in the fall.

Bark: These trees feature a smooth, silver-gray bark that becomes more furrowed with age.

Growing Conditions: Autumn Blaze Maples are adaptable to various soil types but prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soils. They can tolerate heavy clay and occasionally wet soils.

Sunlight Requirements: These maples thrive in full sun to partial shade. While they can tolerate some shade, the fall coloration is generally more vibrant in full sunlight.

Drought Tolerance: Once established, Autumn Blaze Maples exhibit good drought tolerance. However, regular watering during dry periods is beneficial for overall health and vigor.

Landscape Use: When planting an Autumn Blaze Maple, consider its mature size and ensure that it has enough space to grow. It is commonly used as a shade tree, specimen tree, or as part of a larger landscape design. Regular pruning is generally not needed unless there are dead or damaged branches.

Overall, the Autumn Blaze Maple is prized for its fantastic display of fall color. Its adaptability to its environment and versatility of use make this tree a great addition to the landscape.