treeN. America Native

Autumn Radiance Red Maple

Acer rubrum 'Autumn Radiance'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

540 inches

Width

480 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium to wet

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

80-100 years

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Wilted leaves are highly toxic to horses.

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer rubrum, the red maple, is one of the most common and widespread deciduous trees of eastern and central North America. It is celebrated for its brilliant fall color and its adaptability to a wide range of soil conditions. 'Autumn Radiance' is a cultivar selected for its superior performance, featuring a dense, broadly oval crown and, most importantly, an early and consistently brilliant orange-red to deep red fall color that is exceptionally reliable.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Autumn Radiance' is a premier shade and street tree, prized for its symmetrical growth habit, handsome summer foliage, and especially its dependable and spectacular early fall coloration. Its early spring flowers also provide a subtle but welcome show.

As a fast-growing tree, it provides shade relatively quickly. Its tolerance of wet soils makes it a valuable choice for sites where other trees might struggle, such as low areas or near retention ponds.

Red maples are a cornerstone of eastern North American forests. The early spring flowers are an important, early-season pollen source for bees. The seeds (samaras) are eaten by squirrels and birds, and the tree hosts numerous insect species.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to part shade.
Plant in moist, slightly acidic soil; it tolerates wet conditions.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the tree so the root flare is at or just above ground level.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to remove air pockets.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

For the most intense fall color, plant in slightly acidic soil; alkaline soils can cause chlorosis and muted color.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently, especially when the tree is young.
Prune in winter to develop good structure.
Test soil pH and amend if it is highly alkaline.
Provide ample space for its mature size.

Don't

Do not plant in dry, compacted, or high pH soils.
Avoid deep cultivation over the shallow root system.
Don't allow wilted leaves to be accessible to horses.
Avoid heavy pruning of mature trees.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Reliable and brilliant shade treeExcellent street or park treeVibrant specimen for fall color

Companion Plants

Amelanchier canadensis Viburnum dentatum Cornus sericea Fothergilla gardenii Carex pensylvanica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Autumn Radiance Red Maple questions

What zones can Autumn Radiance Red Maple grow in?

Autumn Radiance Red Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Autumn Radiance Red Maple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Autumn Radiance Red Maple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Autumn Radiance Red Maple bloom?

Autumn Radiance Red Maple typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Autumn Radiance Red Maple need full sun?

Autumn Radiance Red Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.