Freeman's Maple (Acer X Freemanii)

This tree is a hybrid of red and silver maple. This cross gives the Freeman's maple the strong branches of the red maple, and the fast growth rate of the silver maple, resulting in a sturdy tree. This tree is often grown along city highways and streets, and in parks. The tree's leaves are deeply lobed, and are green with a silvery undertone, resembling those of a silver maple. It has fairly smooth and silvery gray bark. Additionally, this species has many hybrid variations with different leaf shapes (ranging from rounded to narrow). This tree attracts insect pollinators.

Family: Aceraceae (Maple)

Characteristics: Leaves are medium green with a silvery underside, deeply lobed, and toothed, resembling those of a silver maple. In the fall, the leaves turn red-orange to yellow. Most Freeman's maples produce samaras (paired winged fruit), however some cultivars do not produce any fruit. Bark is fairly smooth and silver-gray. This tree has an oval, pyramidal, or upright shape. It grows 40-60 feet tall and 20-40 feet wide.

Foliage: Deciduous (leaves lost seasonally)

Geographic Origin: Eastern North America (native)

Cultivation Notes: Requires low maintenance. Does best in full sun. Prefers moist and well-drained soil. This species has some tolerance for drought conditions.

Number on Campus: 9

Sources: Dirr, Morton Arboretum, Missouri Botanical Garden