Get to Know Our Natives by Nature
Freeman Maple. Source
This month, we Get to Know our native Freeman Maple (also called Freeman’s Maple).
Scientific name: Acer × freemanii
A naturally occurring hybrid of two native maples – red maple (Acer rubrum) and silver maple (Acer saccharinum). The hybrid yields both the strong branch attachment of the red maple and the fast growth rate of the silver maple. Freeman Maple is known for its yellow and orange-red fall colour.
Where is Grows: The Freeman Maple grow naturally in parts of southern Ontario. Freeman Maple prefers moist soil with good drainage. They will tolerate wet conditions and even standing water for extended periods but will also grow well in dry soils.
Mature Size and Shape: Mature height of 40-60 feet. Mature width 20-40 feet. Freeman Maples have an upright to broad oval form and rapid growth. Studies have shown that Freemans grow up to 4 times faster than red maples.
Freeman maples are often planted in urban areas because they are tolerant of high pH soils. These means they are not as prone to succumbing to stresses induced by iron chlorosis.
Freeman Maple. Source