treeN. America Native

Firefall Maple

Acer 'Firefall'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

420 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium to wet

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

60-100 years

Native To

North America (Hybrid)

Toxicity

Leaves toxic to horses when wilted

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer x freemanii, a hybrid of red and silver maples, combines rapid growth with strong structure and brilliant fall color. They are adaptable, widely-grown shade trees. Firefall is distinguished by its reliable, intense orange-red to scarlet fall color that develops earlier than many other cultivars and persists well.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Firefall Maple is a premier specimen tree, celebrated for its stunning, early-developing scarlet fall color. Its upright, symmetrical form and dense summer canopy provide a strong structural element in the landscape year-round, with smooth gray bark adding winter interest.

As a fast-growing tree, it quickly provides substantial shade, which can help reduce summer cooling costs for nearby buildings. Its strong wood and good branch structure make it more resistant to storm damage than its silver maple parent.

The early spring flowers provide a nectar source for bees. The tree offers shelter and nesting sites for birds. As a hybrid of native species, it supports various native insects and contributes to the local ecosystem.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Position the tree so the root flare is level with the ground.
Backfill the hole with the original soil, watering to settle.
Water deeply and regularly for the first two growing seasons.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Ensure consistent moisture during the first few years to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system and encourage fast growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry spells, especially when young.
Prune in late winter to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Perform a soil test and amend if pH is highly alkaline.
Protect young trunks from sunscald with tree wrap in winter.

Don't

Do not plant too deep; keep the root flare visible.
Avoid piling mulch against the trunk, which can cause rot.
Do not fertilize a newly planted tree in its first year.
Avoid heavy pruning or 'topping' the tree.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Spectacular large-scale shade treeVibrant street or park specimenFast-growing screen for large properties

Companion Plants

Hydrangea quercifolia Fothergilla gardenii Amelanchier canadensis Viburnum dentatum Carex pensylvanica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Firefall Maple questions

What zones can Firefall Maple grow in?

Firefall Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Firefall Maple deer resistant?

Yes — Firefall Maple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Firefall Maple bloom?

Firefall 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 Firefall Maple need full sun?

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