| Common Name | Autumn Blaze Maple |
| Botanical Name | Acer x freemanii ‘Jeffersred’ |
| Plant Type | Deciduous tree |
| Hardiness Zone | 3-8 |
| Mature Size | 40-55 ft tall, 30-40 ft wide |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Adaptable, prefers moist well-drained |
| Fall Color | Brilliant orange-red |
| Growth Rate | Fast (3-5 ft per year) |
| Native To | North America (hybrid of native species) |
Why Autumn Blaze for Wisconsin
Autumn Blaze is a cross between silver maple (fast growth, adaptability) and red maple (strong branch structure, brilliant fall color). It took the best qualities from both parents. In Southeast Wisconsin, the fall color is consistently outstanding, turning vivid orange-red every October. It grows 3-5 feet per year, which means you get shade faster than most maples. The branching is stronger than silver maple, so ice storm damage is less of a concern.
Planting Instructions
When: Spring or fall. Fall planting gives roots time to establish before summer heat.
Where: Full sun, plenty of room. This tree gets big. Keep it 20+ feet from buildings, driveways, and sewer lines.
How: Dig a wide, shallow hole (3x the root ball width, same depth). Do not bury the root flare. Stake only if necessary and remove stakes after one year.
Care Throughout the Season
Spring: Red flower clusters appear before leaves. Water deeply during dry spring stretches, especially in the first 2-3 years.
Summer: Provides excellent shade by mid-summer. Supplemental watering during drought helps, especially for young trees.
Fall: The main event. Brilliant orange-red foliage for 2-3 weeks. One of the first trees to color up in our area.
Winter: Prune only when dormant (late winter). Remove crossing branches and maintain a central leader.
Common Problems in Wisconsin
Surface roots: Like all maples, roots can surface over time, especially in compacted or shallow soil. Mulch over roots rather than cutting them.
Chlorosis: Leaves can yellow in very alkaline soil (high pH). This is more common in areas with limestone bedrock. A soil test can confirm.
Branch angles: Some trees develop tight V-crotches that are weak points. Select trees with wide branch angles at the nursery.
Companion Planting
Hosta and Astilbe under the canopy as it matures. Spring bulbs (daffodils, crocus) around the base for early interest. Shade-tolerant groundcovers like Sweet Woodruff once the canopy fills in.
Design and Landscape Uses
Shade tree for front or back yards, street tree, specimen tree. Give it room. This is not a tree for small lots. It works well as a single focal point in an open lawn, along a property line for screening, or as a street tree where power lines are not a concern. The fast growth rate means you’ll enjoy shade within 5-7 years of planting.
Fun Fact
Autumn Blaze was discovered by Glenn Jeffers at a nursery in Fostoria, Ohio, in the 1960s. The cultivar name ‘Jeffersred’ comes from his last name. It became one of the most widely planted shade trees in North America within two decades of its introduction. Autumn Blaze is seedless (or very nearly so), which is a significant advantage over silver maple.
Autumn Blaze Maple is available at our Cedarburg nursery.
Come see one in person and we’ll help you pick the right spot.