Acer × freemanii, commonly known as Freeman Maple, is an exceptional hybrid that combines the best traits from the red maple (Acer rubrum) and silver maple (Acer saccharinum). Born from both natural and controlled hybridization, Freeman Maple embodies the perfect blend of resilience, beauty, and adaptability, making it an ideal choice for any landscape. Reaching heights of 45-70 feet and widths of 35-50 feet, this stunning deciduous tree is perfect for shade, lawns, or streets.
Freeman Maple thrives in well-drained, moist, acidic soil, tolerating full sun to partial shade and even adapting to heavy clay or occasionally wet soils. Once established, it can withstand drought conditions. Its foliage is a vivid display of red-orange hues in fall, while its leaves often take on an intermediate shape reminiscent of both parent species.
Noteworthy for its rapid growth and strong structural integrity, Freeman Maple's robust nature is matched by its aesthetic allure, featuring sparse spring flowers that give way to distinctive winged samaras. However, the tree doesn’t always bloom. Freeman Maples are especially prevalent where the red and silver maples' ranges overlap, such as in the northeastern and northcentral U.S. and adjacent parts of Canada.
Named in honor of horticulturist Oliver M. Freeman of the U.S. National Arboretum, who initiated the first controlled crosses in 1933, this hybrid exhibits solid structure, attractive form, and vibrant fall color akin to the red maple, while boasting the adaptability and rapid growth of the silver maple. Immerse your environment in the elegance and versatility of the Freeman Maple—an extraordinary testament to nature’s brilliance.