Southeastern Canada and southern US; common in Southeastern PA.
Pyramidal in youth, developing ascending branches and an irregularly rounded crown with age; 40'-60' (100') tall. Medium to fast growth rate.
Full sun to light shade in moist, acid soil. Tolerates poor drainage and many types of soil. Very adaptable plant.
Excellent specimen tree. Select cultivars for best fall color.
Red when new:Opposite, simple 2-4 inch long; 3-5 lobes, lobes are irregularly toothed. New growth and petiole reddish. Leaves are often a lighter color on lower surj:Reddish orange fall color
Buds are silver-gray, smooth in youth. No fetid odor when crushed. (see A. saccharinum).
Black, ridged and furrowed with age; twigs are orange-brown.
Red, sometimes yellow tinged
Red fruit matures to brown
Seed, cuttings; some graft incompatibility.
'Armstrong' - Fastigiate form. Fall color may be poor.
'Autumn Flame' - Good early red fall color.
'Columnare' - Narrow columnar or Pyramidal form. Good fall color.
'October Glory' - Bright-orange to red fall color in late fall.
'Red Sunset' - Orange to red fall color before 'October Glory.'
