Red maple (Acer rubrum) and Autumn Blaze maple (Acer x freemanii ‘Autumn Blaze’) are two distinct varieties of maple trees. While they share some similarities, there are several differences between them.
1. Origin: Red maple is native to eastern North America, ranging from Canada to Florida and west to Texas. On the other hand, Autumn Blaze is a hybrid created by crossing red maple and silver maple (Acer saccharinum). It was developed in the 1980s by researchers at the Morton Arboretum in Illinois.
2. Growth Habit: Red maple is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree that typically grows 40-60 feet tall, with a rounded to oval-shaped crown. Autumn Blaze, being a hybrid, inherits traits from both parent trees. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach heights of 40-60 feet with a more upright, symmetrical, and uniform shape.
3. Fall Color: One of the most notable differences is the fall color display. Red maple exhibits a wide range of fall colors, including yellow, orange, and red. The intensity and duration of the color can vary depending on the specific cultivar and growing conditions. In contrast, Autumn Blaze maple is renowned for its vibrant and long-lasting fall color. It typically showcases a brilliant mix of orange, red, and purple hues, often considered superior to that of red maple.
4. Leaf Shape: While both trees have lobed leaves, there are slight differences in their shape. Red maple leaves have three or five lobes with serrated edges, and they are typically broader and more rounded compared to Autumn Blaze. Autumn Blaze maple leaves have five lobes, but they are narrower and more elongated, resembling the silver maple parent.
5. Tolerance: Red maple is known for its adaptability to a wide range of soil conditions, including wet or dry sites. It can tolerate occasional flooding and moderate drought once established. Autumn Blaze maple, being a hybrid, inherits some of the silver maple’s tolerance to wet soils, making it more suitable for poorly drained areas. However, it is less drought-tolerant compared to red maple.
6. Bark and Twig Color: Red maple has smooth, grayish bark when young, which develops shallow grooves and becomes darker and rougher with age. Its twigs are slender and reddish in color. In contrast, Autumn Blaze maple has smoother, silvery-gray bark when young, which gradually develops furrows and becomes darker as it matures. Its twigs are also reddish, similar to red maple.
7. Seed Production: Red maple produces winged seeds called samaras, which are dispersed by wind. It often produces abundant seeds, leading to self-seeding and potential invasiveness in certain areas. Autumn Blaze maple, being a hybrid, is sterile and does not produce viable seeds, eliminating the potential for invasive spread.
In summary, while both red maple and Autumn Blaze maple are attractive trees with fall color, Autumn Blaze is a hybrid that offers a more intense and longer-lasting display. It has a different growth habit, leaf shape, and bark appearance compared to red maple. Additionally, Autumn Blaze is better suited for wet soil conditions and does not produce viable seeds, making it a popular choice for landscaping.
Maple Mix-up: A Tale of Red Maple’s Mood Swings and Autumn Blaze’s Fiery Flair!
Ah, the sweet differences between Red Maple and Autumn Blaze! Well, let me tell you about the time my family and I got hilariously confused with these two maple varieties.
It was a sunny summer day, and we decided to go on a family adventure to a local nursery. We were determined to add a touch of vibrant autumn to our backyard, and maple trees seemed like the perfect choice. As we strolled through rows of leafy wonders, we stumbled upon two gorgeous maple saplings.
Now, Red Maple and Autumn Blaze may look similar at first glance, but oh boy, are they different! Hungry for information, I enthusiastically approached the gardener and asked for some assistance. With a twinkle in his eye, he explained the key differences between them.
The Red Maple, he said, is like a mood-changing teenager. It wakes up in spring with a deep red hue, transitions to a luxurious green for summer, and then flamboyantly shouts out its true colors come fall, boasting vibrant deep reds, oranges, and yellows. It’s charmingly unpredictable!
The Autumn Blaze, on the other hand, is like that one friend who’s always reliable. It flaunts a consistent green throughout summer, but when autumn arrives, oh boy, it shows off with a blazing performance of fiery oranges and reds. Talk about making a statement!
With laughter echoing through the nursery, we decided to bring both Red Maple and Autumn Blaze saplings home. Our little mix-up turned into a valuable lesson, reminding us that life is full of delightful surprises, even when it comes to trees.
So, my dear maple enthusiasts, whether you prefer the dramatic flair of the Red Maple or the dependable beauty of the Autumn Blaze, remember to embrace the unique qualities each one brings. Because in the end, it’s the diversity of nature that makes our world so wonderfully vibrant!