Autumn Blaze maple and red maple are both popular trees known for their stunning fall foliage. While they share some similarities, there are distinct differences between the two.
1. Origin and Hybridization:
– Autumn Blaze maple (Acer x freemanii ‘Jeffersred’) is a hybrid tree, resulting from a cross between red maple (Acer rubrum) and silver maple (Acer saccharinum).
– Red maple (Acer rubrum) is a native tree to North America, commonly found across a wide range of regions.
2. Growth Habit:
– Autumn Blaze maple is a fast-growing tree, capable of reaching a height of 40-60 feet with a spread of 30-40 feet. It has a pyramidal shape when young, gradually maturing into a rounded crown.
– Red maple can grow slightly taller, reaching heights of 40-60 feet, but it has a more irregular, rounded crown.
3. Fall Foliage:
– Both trees are renowned for their vibrant fall colors, but there are some differences in the specific shades they exhibit.
– Autumn Blaze maple displays a brilliant mix of orange-red and scarlet leaves, creating a striking visual impact.
– Red maple, as the name suggests, showcases a broader range of colors, including bright red, orange, and even yellow hues. The variety of colors is often more diverse and intense compared to Autumn Blaze maple.
4. Leaf Shape and Structure:
– The leaves of Autumn Blaze maple are medium-sized, usually 3-6 inches long, with three to five lobes. The lobes have serrated edges, giving the leaves an attractive, jagged appearance.
– Red maple leaves are similar in size, but they typically have three lobes, occasionally with five. The lobes are more deeply incised than those of Autumn Blaze maple, resulting in a more intricate leaf structure.
5. Climate Adaptability:
– Both trees are adaptable to a wide range of climates but have slightly different preferences.
– Autumn Blaze maple thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8, making it suitable for colder regions. It has good tolerance to heat, drought, and urban conditions.
– Red maple has a broader range, growing in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. It is more adaptable to wetter conditions and can tolerate flooding better than Autumn Blaze maple.
6. Samara (Seed) Production:
– Samaras are the winged fruits produced by maple trees.
– Autumn Blaze maple has a moderate to heavy samara production, meaning it produces a significant number of seeds annually.
– Red maple has a high samara production, with abundant seeds that are dispersed by wind.
In summary, while both Autumn Blaze maple and red maple offer stunning fall foliage, Autumn Blaze maple is a hybrid tree with a more pyramidal shape, while red maple has a rounded crown. Autumn Blaze maple exhibits orange-red and scarlet fall colors, while red maple offers a broader spectrum of reds, oranges, and yellows. The leaves of Autumn Blaze maple have serrated edges and three to five lobes, while red maple leaves are more deeply incised with three or occasionally five lobes. Both trees are adaptable to various climates, but red maple has a broader range and better tolerance for wet conditions. Additionally, Autumn Blaze maple has moderate to heavy samara production, while red maple has a high samara production.
Autumn’s Comedy Showdown: The Tale of the Flamboyant Autumn Blaze Maple and the Mischievous Red Maple
Oh, let me tell you a hilarious tale about my encounter with Autumn Blaze Maple and Red Maple trees! Picture this, my friends: I was strolling through a local park, completely lost in the beauty of the autumn colors, when I spotted two trees side by side – one with fiery red leaves and the other with a mix of orange and red hues. Curiosity piqued, I decided to have a closer look.
As I approached, Autumn Blaze Maple proudly stood tall, flaunting its vibrant leaves like a peacock spreading its feathers. It was as if the tree was saying, “Hey Brenda, look at me! I’m the autumn superstar!”
Not wanting to hurt Red Maple’s feelings, I turned towards it and…BAM! A gust of wind blew right through, and suddenly, it started raining leaves. I couldn’t help but burst out laughing as Red Maple graciously showered me with its crimson confetti.
I stood there, covered in a blanket of red leaves, feeling like I had stumbled upon a secret party. It was a true slapstick moment that reminded me of the delightful differences between these two maple varieties. Autumn Blaze Maple loves to steal the show with its vivid colors, while Red Maple knows how to bring joy and excitement to any autumn gathering.
So there you have it, my friends, a humorous encounter showcasing the difference between Autumn Blaze Maple and Red Maple. Nature always knows how to bring a smile to my face!