NGC - Maples for the Prairies

ORNAMENTAL TREE

ACER: MAPLE

Maples are well known and loved for the classic maple shaped leaf and their spectacular fall color. Winged seeds on these trees resemble tiny propellers that spin as they fly away in the wind. Maples come in many sizes - from a large, impressive shade tree to a large shrub with a single trunk or multi-stems. Maple sap runs heavily in the spring making the tree messy and unsightly if pruned. Wait to prune until they are in full leaf or until early July. All Maples, except the Amur Maple, grow best in full sun. The full sun intensifies the color in the leaves. Amur Maple prefers sun to partial shade. All Maples do the best in well-drained soil.

Maple Cultivars for the Prairies

Cultivar Name	Size	Zone	Shape	Fall Color	Description
Amur Maple Acer ginnala	20' x 15' (6m x 5m)	2	Rounded	Radiant scarlet red	A very hardy, attractive specimen tree with fragrant ivory flowers in early spring, and glossy, dark green leaves. It has grey snakeskin bark and bright red, winged fruit.
Ventura Amur Maple Acer ginnala	20' x 15' (6m x 5m)	2	Upright, spreading.	Orange- yellow	A tree form selection from a Tatarian x Amur Maple cross. This vigorous grower retains its form and is tolerant of alkaline soil.
Autumn Blaze Maple Acer x freemanii 'Jeffersred'	30' x 20' (9m x 6m)	4	Dense oval	Stunning shades of orange red	This fast growing hybrid between Red and Silver Maple requires a well protected location. The rich green leaves are deeply lobed.
Baron Boxelder Maple Acer negundo 'Baron'	50' x 30' (12m x 9m)	2	Rounded	Bright yellow	An extremely hardy male selection (seedless) with a powdery blue coating on stems and buds. Leaves are bright green with a lighter green bottom. Adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions.
Deborah Norway Maple Acer platinoides 'Deborah'	40' x 30' (23m x 12m)	4	Broadly oval	Bronze- yellow	A collector tree for the prairie gardener. This tree shows vigorous growth while retaining a central leader. Selected in Canada in 1967.
Silver Maple Acer saccharinum	75' x 40' (23m x 12m)	3	Loosely oval	Bright yellow	Silver Maple is a large, fast growing tree with greenish- yellow to red flowers in the early spring. The leaves are light green on top with a silvery green underside. It prefers moist conditions & may be susceptible to chlorosis in areas with calcareous soil.
Silver Cloud Maple Acer saccharinum 'Silver Cloud'	60' x 30' (18m x 9m)	3	Upright, oval	Yellow	An attractive male selection with leaves that are bright silver underneath, making it very showy in the wind. It is also noted for it's symmetrical branching. Great for larger spaces.
Northern Select Sugar Maple Acer saccharum	40' x 30' (12m x 9m)	3	Upright, rounded	Orange- red	Canada's national tree prefers rich, well drained soil and a sheltered location.
Unity Sugar Maple Acer saccharum 'Jefcan'	40' x 30' (12m x 9m)	3	Upright, rounded	Orange- red	An introduction from Jeffries Nurseries that prefers rich, well drained soil in a sheltered location.

Revised by Rachel Giesbrecht on June 30, 2005.