Freeman Maple (Acer ×freemanii )
↑Summary
A naturally occurring hybrid of red and sugar maples, with intermediate characteristics between the two.
↑Range - Expand
| Legend | Color |
| Native | |
| Native or Not Present |
This tentative map is based on our own research. It may have limited data on Canada and/or Mexico, and there is some subjectivity in our assignment of plants as introduced vs. expanded. Read more in this blog post.
Although this plant occurs somewhere in each of these regions, it may only occur in a small part of some or all of them.
↑Habitat
In the wild, usually found in wet, bottomland habitats where both silver maple and red maple can occur, in conditions intermediate between their preferred habitats, but can also sometimes range into slightly drier habitats. More specific in its habitat preferences than pure red maple, which is a generalist that can be found on a wide range of different sites. Tolerates clay soil and some soil acidity. Usually found in earlier successional stages of forests, and does not persist long-term in the absence of disturbance.
Also found in anthropogenic habitats, both from natural hybrids and as escapes from landscaping plants.
Although its parent species overlap over a large range, this hybrid is most common in the wild in the north of its range, particularly from Wisconsin to the southern shore of Lake Michigan, and also in Ontario and somewhat in the northeast; it is rare in the south but has been reported in Texas, Alabama, and western North Carolina.
↑Uses
This plant is widely used in landscaping; several cultivars exist; 'Armstrong' is particularly well-known and widely-planted.
In general this hybrid is valued for combining desirable characteristics from both parent species, including the silver maple's rapid growth, and the more solid structure and showier fall color from red maple.
↑Links & External Resources
• Acer ×freemanii (Freeman Maple) | USDA PLANTS Database (About This Site)
• Acer X freemanii | Biota of North America Project (BONAP) (About This Site)
