treeN. America Native

Armstrong Maple

Name: Armstrong Maple
Brand: Acer
Availability: InStock

Acer freemanii 'Armstrong'

$95.00

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

660 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to wet

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

50-70 years

Native To

Hybrid of North American natives

Toxicity

Wilted leaves may be toxic to horses.

The Story

Plant Bio

A Freeman Maple is a hybrid of Red Maple (Acer rubrum) and Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum), combining the fast growth of the latter with the better form and color of the former. They are adaptable and vigorous trees. 'Armstrong' is a distinct cultivar selected for its narrow, upright, fastigiate growth habit. This columnar form makes it exceptionally useful for planting in tight spaces where a traditional shade tree would not fit.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The primary ornamental feature of 'Armstrong' is its striking, narrow, columnar form. It creates a strong vertical line in the landscape, perfect for formal designs, framing entrances, or as a dramatic accent.

Its fastigiate shape is its greatest practical asset, allowing a large tree to be planted in very narrow spaces such as between buildings, along driveways, or in tight street-side planting strips where other trees would fail.

As a hybrid of two native trees, it provides ecological benefits similar to its parents. Its early spring flowers support pollinators, and it offers nesting sites and cover for birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Sooner Plant Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$95.00

Nature Hills

In Stock$97.55

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun with average to moist soil.
Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with the excavated soil, tamping lightly to remove air pockets.
Water thoroughly after planting to saturate the root zone.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Its fall color is less reliable than other Freeman maples; site it for its form, not its autumn show.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent water, especially during the establishment period.
Prune to maintain a single leader and remove any competing stems.
Stake only if necessary in very windy sites, and remove stakes after one year.

Don't

Do not plant in high pH (alkaline) soils, which can cause chlorosis.
Avoid planting in hot, dry, restricted root zones like un-irrigated parking lot islands.
Don't allow co-dominant leaders to develop, as they can split.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent vertical accent in landscape designPerfect street tree for narrow planting stripsEffective for creating tall, narrow privacy screens

Companion Plants

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' Buxus sempervirens 'Graham Blandy' Spiraea japonica 'Goldmound'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Armstrong Maple questions

What zones can Armstrong Maple grow in?

Armstrong Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Armstrong Maple deer resistant?

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

When does Armstrong Maple bloom?

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

Does Armstrong Maple need full sun?

Armstrong Maple does best in full sun (6+ hours).