Acer ×freemanii E. Murr.
Acer ×freemanii E. Murr. is a hybrid plant species that resulted from the crossbreeding of Acer rubrum (Red maple) and Acer saccharinum (Silver maple). It belongs to the genus Acer and the family Sapindaceae. This plant is also known as Freeman maple or Jeffersred, named after Oliver Freeman and J. Frank Schmidt, who both played a crucial role in its development.
Origin
Acer ×freemanii is native to North America and was created by Oliver Freeman and J. Frank Schmidt in the early 20th century. The plant's breeding aimed to combine the desirable characteristics of both parent plants, such as the silver maple's fast growth rate and the red maple's vibrant leaf coloration and adaptability. This plant is now widely cultivated in ornamental gardens and parks in North America and Europe.
Common Names
Acer ×freemanii is commonly known as Freeman maple or Jeffersred, its registered trademark name. It is also sometimes referred to as hybrid maple or silver-red maple due to its parentage and characteristics.
Appearance
Acer ×freemanii is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall with a spread of up to 50 feet. It has a robust, upright, and oval shape with a dense crown when mature. The leaves are typically medium to dark green, ranging from five to seven lobes with a serrated edge, and occasionally slightly wider than those of Acer rubrum. In fall, the leaves turn brilliant shades of orange and red. The tree's bark is silvery-gray and tends to split vertically as it ages. The flowers are greenish-yellow and appear in spring, and the tree produces winged seeds in late summer.
Uses
Acer ×freemanii is primarily used as an ornamental tree for its fast growth rate and vibrant fall coloration. Due to its adaptability, Freeman maple can thrive in various soil types, ranging from acidic to alkaline. It can withstand drought, air pollution, and severe weather conditions, making it a popular choice for parks, gardens, and urban landscapes. Its dense crown and thick foliage also work as an excellent shade tree in summer. The Freeman maple's strong and sturdy wood is occasionally used for making furniture, flooring, and cabinetry.
Light requirements:
Acer ×freemanii E. Murr. grows best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It requires a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight daily to grow optimally. If the plant is grown in the shade, the growth may be stunted or distorted. In areas with hot summers, providing partial shade protection during the peak afternoon period can help the plant grow better.
Temperature requirements:
Acer ×freemanii E. Murr. is cold-hardy and can tolerate temperature drops up to -40 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. However, it grows best in temperate climates with an average temperature range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can tolerate high summer temperatures as long as the soil is moist and mulched to retain moisture. In drought conditions, the plant may show symptoms such as leaf scorch and wilting.
Soil requirements:
Acer ×freemanii E. Murr. prefers well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soils between pH 6.0 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate a range of soil textures, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter and porous to allow adequate air circulation and water percolation. The plant is sensitive to waterlogging, so the soil should not get waterlogged for extended periods. The addition of compost and peat moss can help improve the soil's water-holding capacity and overall structure.
Cultivation methods
Acer ×freemanii E. Murr. is a plant that is easy to grow and maintain. It is adaptable to a variety of soil types but thrives best in well-draining, moist soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade in warmer climates. It is resistant to most diseases and pests.
Watering needs
Watering frequency depends on soil type and climate. The plant needs to be watered regularly during the first growing season to establish the root system. It can tolerate some drought once the root system is well-established, but it is best to water it deeply during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering may lead to root rot, so it's crucial to allow the soil to dry out partially before each watering.
Fertilization
Acer ×freemanii E. Murr. doesn't require frequent fertilization. However, it will benefit from a slow-release, balanced fertilizer application during spring. Applying compost around the base of the plant in the spring will also provide it with some nutrients. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the fall season, as it may interfere with the natural process of preparing for the dormancy period.
Pruning
Pruning Acer ×freemanii E. Murr. is necessary to keep its shape and size in control. It should be done during the dormant season or early spring before the growth starts. Prune the branches that are rubbing against each other or growing towards the center of the tree. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Lightly shear the plant to encourage bushier growth and remove the tips of the branches that have grown too long. Avoid heavy pruning as it may stress the plant and diminish its vigor.
Propagation of Acer ×freemanii E. Murr.
Acer ×freemanii E. Murr. is a hybrid maple tree resulting from the cross between Acer rubrum and Acer saccharinum. It is a popular ornamental tree valued for its aesthetic appeal and tolerance to environmental stress. Propagation is an essential aspect of Acer ×freemanii cultivation as it enables the production of new plants for landscaping and other purposes.
Propagation Methods
Acer ×freemanii can be propagated through several methods, including:
1. Cuttings Propagation
Hardwood cuttings are commonly used for Acer ×freemanii propagation. Cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature parent trees during the dormant season (late autumn or early winter). The cuttings should be approximately 15-20 cm long and 0.5-1 cm in diameter. The lower leaves should be removed to expose a node for root induction. The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-drained soil with proper care. They should be kept in a humid environment with consistent moisture until new shoots emerge.
2. Grafting
Acer ×freemanii can also be propagated through grafting. Grafting is a process of joining a scion (cutting) from the desired cultivar onto a rootstock of a different tree. Grafting ensures the propagation of a specific genetic trait and accelerates the growth of the new plant. It should be performed during the dormant season (late winter or early spring). After grafting, the new plant should be pruned to retain only a few leaves to reduce water transpiration.
3. Seed Propagation
Acer ×freemanii can be propagated through seed, but this method is not commonly used because it produces genetically diverse offspring. It is recommended to stratify the seeds by placing them in a moist environment at low temperatures around 4°C for three to four months before sowing them in well-drained soil. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm in the soil, and the soil should be kept moist until germination.
Overall, propagating Acer ×freemanii is an effective way to produce new plants for landscaping, and several propagation methods are available depending on the desired outcome. It is essential to follow the appropriate guidelines and ensure proper care to achieve successful propagation.
Disease Management:
Acer ×freemanii E. Murr. plants are susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Tar spot: This is a common fungal disease that causes black tar-like spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves as soon as they appear. Consider using fungicides labeled for use on this disease if necessary.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, irregularly-shaped spots on the leaves, which can expand and kill the entire leaf. During wet springs, the disease can spread quickly. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves and provide good air circulation around the plant. Fungicides are also an option for managing this disease if necessary.
- Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease causes leaves to wilt and die, starting at the top of the tree and moving downward. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the disease from spreading to healthy plants. Fungicides are not effective in managing Verticillium wilt.
Pest Management:
Acer ×freemanii E. Murr. plants are also susceptible to several pests, including:
- Cottony maple scale: These insects look like small cottony masses on the bark and branches. They can cause leaf yellowing and dieback. To manage this insect, remove and destroy heavily infested branches. Consider using horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control the population.
- Japanese beetle: These beetles can cause significant damage to the leaves of Acer ×freemanii E. Murr. plants. To manage this pest, physically remove them from the plant and treat with insecticides labeled for use on Japanese beetles.
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause distorted leaves and stunted growth. To manage this pest, spray the tree with water to dislodge the insects. Alternatively, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population.
