Autumn Flame Maple - Acer rubrum 'Autumn Flame'

The Autumn Flame Maple (Acer rubrum 'Autumn Flame') is a cultivar distinguished by its early and intensely vibrant crimson fall foliage that emerges weeks ahead of standard red maples. Maturing at 45-50 feet with a broad-spreading form, this deciduous tree creates substantial canopy coverage and landscape impact. Hardy through zone 3, the Autumn Flame demonstrates exceptional cold tolerance and performs reliably across diverse soil conditions, including wet sites where many trees struggle. Its spring red flowers transition to summer green foliage before the spectacular early-season color change that defines this selection. The tree's vigorous growth habit and strong branching structure establish it quickly as a landscape focal point. The Autumn Flame cultivar's predictable, early-arriving color display makes it invaluable for designers seeking to extend the visual drama of autumn across the landscape calendar. This selection represents the pinnacle of red maple refinement for color-conscious applications.