#7 Acer x free Armstrong/ Columnar Freeman Maple

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Acer x freemanii 'Armstrong'

COMMON NAME: Armstrong Freeman Maple

GARDEN SIZE: 40-70 feet tall x 10-40 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Fast

USDA ZONE: 3-9

EXPOSURE: Full Sun to Part Shade

WATER & SOIL: Tolerant of various soil moistures and textures. Drought-tolerant once established.

HABIT (FORM): Very narrow, fastigiate (branches erect)

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; 3-6 inch leaves resembling silver maple, fall color can be yellowish-orange under optimal conditions. Silvery bark.

FLOWERS: Insignificant; reddish-green, blooms in April

PLANT ORIGIN: hybrid of silver (saccharinum) and red (rubrum) maples, each of which naturally occur in Tennessee

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: As a hybrid of two maples that are local to Tennessee, x freemanii may serve as a host plant for local butterflies and moths, and as a food source for pollinators, birds, and small mammals. However, the straight species local maples will do a better job. Supplies shelter and nesting sites.

FERTILIZING: May apply organic compost in the spring, but not generally necessary.

PRUNING: No pruning is necessary. If shaping is desired, may be trimmed during dormancy.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Generally non-toxic for dogs and cats, but exercise caution with horses because the leaves of Acer rubrum are toxic to them, and Acer x freemanii is a hybrid of Acer rubrum.

USES: Specimen, Shade, Fall Color