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Plant Profile: Red maple ‘Schlesingeri’ (Acer rubrum ‘Schlesingeri’)

Acer rubrum SchlesingeriThe red maple announces its presence in early spring with a huge haze of red, produced by a myriad of tiny red flowers borne on the tips of the twigs all over the tree. This beautiful sight can be see at a distance and is one of the earliest signs of spring in many areas of the country. In a similar fashion, the brilliant red color of this red maple signal the onset of fall. ‘Schlesingeri’ is an old cultivar but one of the earliest by as much as a month.

Type: Deciduous tree.

Outstanding Feature: Very early, brilliant red autumn coloration. Leaves have white undersides, making them very attractive off the tree as well as on it.

Form: Elliptical.

Growth Rate: Fast.

Bloom: Tiny red flowers in early spring followed by red winged fruit (samaras).

Size: 50’ H x 40’ W.

Light: Full sun.

Soil: Moist, average soil.

Hardiness: Zones 4-9.

Care: In areas where snow and ice storms are common, prune to encourage a strong framework with a single trunk and branches growing perpendicular to the trunk. Annually remove weak branches and those with narrow crotches at the trunk.

Pests and Diseases: No significant pests or diseases.

Propagation: Trees may be grown from seed but will vary greatly in characteristics and may not have the autumn coloration as the parent tree. Graphed trees ensures consistency.

Comment: Good subject for bonsai.

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