Maples are one of the most common shade trees in Northeast landscapes. Red and sugar maples are native species from which many cultivated varieties have been developed to improve canopy shape, size, branching, foliage color, and hardiness, to name a few characteristics. Both red and sugar maples have green leaves which change color in the fall ranging from brilliant red to bright yellow depending upon the tree variety. While Norway maples aren’t native, they do grow well in CNY.

Because there are so many different Maples to choose from, we have created a guide so you can find the perfect one for your landscape. While we may not have every variety listed every year, we always have an excellent selection to choose from in our nursery.

Red Maples (Acer rubrum) - Green foliage, red fall colors

Variety Fall Color Characteristic Canopy Shape Size (HxW) 25 years Zone
Autumn Flame Brilliant Red One of the hardiest

Seedless, first to color

 Rounded 30' x 30' 3
Brandywine Deep Red Seedless Oval 35' x 25' 4
Burgundy Belle Burgundy Red Long lasting color Rounded 40' x 30' 5
October Glory Reddish Purple Later Fall Color Broad Oval 35' x 30' 4
Red Sunset Brilliant Orange Red More Upright Branching Oval 40' x 30' 4
Redpointe Bright Red Very Consistent Canopy Broad Pyramid 40' x 25' 5
Sun Valley Bright Red Seedless Oval 35' x 30' 5

Norway Maples (Acer platanoides) – Red foliage all season unless noted

Variety Fall Color Summer Color Canopy Shape Size (HxW) 25 years Zone
Crimson King Red Bronze Burgundy Rounded 35' x 25' 4
Crimson Sentry Red Bronze Burgundy Narrow Pyramidal 25' x 15' 4
Drumondii Yellow Green and White Broad Oval 35' x 25' 4
Royal Red Red Bronze Burgundy Rounded 35' x 35' 4

Sugar Maples (Acer saccharum) – Green foliage, fiery fall colors

Variety Fall Color Characteristic Canopy Shape Size (HxW) 25 years Zone
Green Mountain Brilliant Orange to Red Source of Maple Syrup Broad Oval 40' x 30' 3

Not all varieties are available throughout the season so please call ahead to check current availability with our nursery.

For a copy of this guide to download and keep please click here.